[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"article-anojan-sivarasa-released-from-saudi-custody-minister-announces":5,"breaking":31,"cover-media-anojan-sivarasa-released-from-saudi-custody-minister-announces":35,"comments-anojan-sivarasa-released-from-saudi-custody-minister-announces":47,"related-anojan-sivarasa-released-from-saudi-custody-minister-announces":52},[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":30},"6af54842c7f64abe9d256ad7","en","Anojan Sivarasa released from Saudi custody, minister announces",null,"anojan-sivarasa-released-from-saudi-custody-minister-announces","Anojan Sivarasa, who was facing charges before a Saudi Arabian court, has been released, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath has announced. The minister said the government w...","\u003Cp>Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath has announced that Anojan Sivarasa, who was facing charges before a Saudi Arabian court, has been released.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herath said the government would take the necessary diplomatic steps to bring Sivarasa back to Sri Lanka in the coming days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sivarasa’s family members visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today and expressed their gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and all government institutions and officials who contributed to securing his release.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The minister said the release was made possible through the guidance of President Dissanayake, diplomatic intervention by the Sri Lankan government, and the continued efforts of relevant officials. He also extended his appreciation to the Saudi government, the Saudi judiciary, diplomatic institutions and officials from both countries, as well as the team of lawyers who travelled to Saudi Arabia to assist in the case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Saudi Arabian Court of Appeal in the Eastern Region sentenced Sivarasa to death on September 17, 2026, over charges relating to a Facebook post deemed offensive. Following diplomatic and other interventions, the Saudi court overturned the death sentence on October 14. Diplomatic efforts continued to secure his release from the remaining penalties imposed on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Saudi Public Prosecution Office decided on November 9, 2026, not to pursue further legal proceedings in the case. As a result of these continued efforts, Sivarasa has now been released. The Sri Lankan government is expected to take the necessary steps to facilitate his return to the country.\u003C\u002Fp>",68,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[17],[],[],"6af54842c7f64abe9d256acf",[],"2026-11-12T04:25:43.000Z",false,"public",{"views":27,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":29},36,0,35,[],{"data":32},{"articles":33,"ticker":34},[],[],{"data":36},{"id":21,"url":37,"width":38,"height":39,"variants":40,"alt":10,"caption":10,"credit":10},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F11\u002Fb29842da-0a14-49b6-be11-f936bfacd286\u002Foriginal.webp",800,595,[41],{"key":42,"width":43,"height":44,"format":45,"url":46},"thumb",320,238,"webp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F11\u002Fb29842da-0a14-49b6-be11-f936bfacd286\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":48,"meta":49},[],{"total":28,"page":50,"limit":51,"hasMore":24},1,30,{"data":53},[54,71,86,102,118,135,152,168],{"id":55,"lang":8,"title":56,"subtitle":10,"slug":57,"excerpt":58,"html":59,"readingTimeSec":60,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":61,"tagIds":62,"authorIds":63,"coverMediaId":64,"galleryMediaIds":65,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":66,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":67,"relatedArticleIds":70},"6af564a3c7f64abe9d25ada9","Prime Minister highlights ethical AI use and media literacy at Broadcasters’ Symposium 2026","prime-minister-highlights-ethical-ai-use-and-media-literacy-at-broadcasters-symposium-2026","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest in the Sri Lanka Broadcasters’ Symposium 2026, on 11th of November in Colombo. The two days (11-12th of November ) Symposium organized by th...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, speaking as chief guest at the Sri Lanka Broadcasters’ Symposium 2026 in Colombo on 11 November, said broadcasting is not merely about communication but also about strengthening media literacy, and that artificial intelligence in media must be used ethically and responsibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two-day symposium, on 11-12 November, was organised by the Sri Lanka Broadcasters' Association with the support of the Department of Government Information. It brought together professionals in the broadcasting sector, representatives of media institutions, technical experts and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and experiences on current trends, technological advancements, future challenges and emerging opportunities in the broadcasting industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister said broadcasting has always been about more than simply transmitting information. She said it connects people, gives expression to diverse perspectives, facilitates public debate and shapes how societies understand themselves and the world. She noted that the broadcasting industry is undergoing fundamental changes due to the emergence of artificial intelligence, the growing influence of global digital platforms and rapidly changing audience behaviour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The use of artificial intelligence in media requires a broader dialogue involving broadcasters, journalists, technology experts, academia, civil society and policymakers. We must ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly, while recognising that it is not inherently neutral, but shaped by the data, assumptions and social structures on which it is built,\" the Prime Minister stated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She highlighted the importance of equipping citizens, particularly younger generations, with the ability to critically understand, evaluate and responsibly engage with media content. Developing media literacy, she further noted, is an important objective of the Government's ongoing education reforms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stressed that the future of broadcasting must be built on public trust, professional responsibility, technological innovation and a strong commitment to serving society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The occasion was attended by the diplomatic core, media personnel and the members of Broadcasters Guild of Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>",84,[17],[],[],"6af564a3c7f64abe9d25ada5",[],"2026-11-12T06:10:38.000Z",{"views":68,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":69},23,22,[],{"id":72,"lang":8,"title":73,"subtitle":10,"slug":74,"excerpt":75,"html":76,"readingTimeSec":77,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":78,"tagIds":79,"authorIds":80,"coverMediaId":81,"galleryMediaIds":82,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":83,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":84,"relatedArticleIds":85},"6af564a3c7f64abe9d25adb3","Sri Lanka Navy takes control of fishing vessel suspected of transporting narcotics","sri-lanka-navy-takes-control-of-fishing-vessel-suspected-of-transporting-narcotics","The Sri Lanka Navy has taken control of a local multi-day fishing vessel suspected of transporting a large consignment of narcotics during a special operation in deep waters south of Sri Lanka this morning (12)...","\u003Cp>The Sri Lanka Navy took control of a local multi-day fishing vessel this morning (12) during a special operation in deep waters south of Sri Lanka. The vessel is suspected of transporting a large consignment of narcotics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vessel and its suspects are being brought ashore for further investigations and legal proceedings. Further details are expected to be released later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a similar operation on November 5, the Navy seized a fishing vessel carrying over 132 kg of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and 57 kg of heroin, along with five suspects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Navy also stated that under the national operation 'Ratama Ekata', narcotics worth over Rs. 114 billion have been seized, including more than 2,773 kg of Ice and 2,130 kg of heroin. Navy operations during 2026 have resulted in drug seizures with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 73 billion.\u003C\u002Fp>",38,[17],[],[],"6af564a3c7f64abe9d25adaf",[],"2026-11-12T05:59:13.000Z",{"views":68,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":69},[],{"id":87,"lang":8,"title":88,"subtitle":10,"slug":89,"excerpt":90,"html":91,"readingTimeSec":51,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":92,"tagIds":93,"authorIds":94,"coverMediaId":95,"galleryMediaIds":96,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":97,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":98,"relatedArticleIds":101},"6af5482ec7f64abe9d256aa6","Showers, thundershowers expected; heavy falls above 100mm likely in five provinces","showers-thundershowers-expected-heavy-falls-above-100mm-likely-in-five-provinces","Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern and Eastern provinces.  Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere in the island after 1.00 p.m.   Heavy falls above 100mm are likely at some pl...","\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern and Eastern provinces. Elsewhere on the island, showers or thundershowers will occur after 1.00 p.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy falls above 100mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Uva provinces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misty conditions can be expected during the early hours of the morning at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in the Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts.\u003C\u002Fp>",[17],[],[],"6af5482ec7f64abe9d256aa2",[],"2026-11-12T04:16:49.000Z",{"views":99,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":100},29,27,[],{"id":103,"lang":8,"title":104,"subtitle":10,"slug":105,"excerpt":106,"html":107,"readingTimeSec":51,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":108,"tagIds":109,"authorIds":110,"coverMediaId":111,"galleryMediaIds":112,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":113,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":114,"relatedArticleIds":117},"6af43d14c7f64abe9d236712","Sri Lanka prepares first official passenger drone trial at Colombo Port City","sri-lanka-prepares-first-official-passenger-drone-trial-at-colombo-port-city","Sri Lanka is preparing to conduct its first official trial of an electric-powered, pilotless passenger drone on November 11 at Colombo Port City. The trial will use China's EHang E216, a two-passenger eVTOL air...","\u003Cp>Sri Lanka is preparing to hold its first official trial of an electric-powered, pilotless passenger drone at Colombo Port City on November 11. The trial will use China's EHang E216, a two-passenger eVTOL aircraft with 16 propellers and an automated flight-control system. The project will initially run as a six-month testing programme, with potential applications in passenger transport, emergency services, and tourism. If successful, the technology could introduce a new aerial tourism experience, offering visitors scenic flights over destinations such as Sigiriya, Pidurangala, and Sri Lanka's island attractions.\u003C\u002Fp>",[17],[],[],"6af43d14c7f64abe9d23670e",[],"2026-11-11T09:59:51.000Z",{"views":115,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":116},63,62,[],{"id":119,"lang":8,"title":120,"subtitle":10,"slug":121,"excerpt":122,"html":123,"readingTimeSec":124,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":125,"tagIds":126,"authorIds":127,"coverMediaId":128,"galleryMediaIds":129,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":130,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":131,"relatedArticleIds":134},"6af42ee0c7f64abe9d2339f8","PM stresses preparedness to face climate-related emergencies and disasters","pm-stresses-preparedness-to-face-climate-related-emergencies-and-disasters","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised the importance of being prepared to face emergencies and unusual natural disasters arising from climate change, as well as taking measures to minimise the damage...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised the importance of being prepared to face emergencies and unusual natural disasters arising from climate change, and of taking measures to minimise the damage they may cause. She stressed that disaster management requires an integrated approach involving multiple sectors rather than being confined to the responsibilities of a single sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She made the remarks on 10 November at the Colombo District Coordinating Committee meeting held at the Official Residence in Narahenpita. The meeting, held with the Prime Minister’s participation and chaired by Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Chairman of the Coordinating Committee, focused special attention on the flash floods and disaster situation experienced in the Colombo District due to heavy rainfall on 6 November.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister pointed out that, in the face of ongoing climate change, the country must be prepared not only to respond to such emergencies and unexpected natural conditions but also to minimise the potential damage they could cause. She underscored the need for a coordinated approach to disaster management, involving different sectors rather than limiting responsibility to a single institution or sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister noted that the Colombo District and the city of Colombo have distinctive geographical and urban characteristics. She pointed out that the flooding and inundation currently being experienced are the result of numerous issues that have remained unresolved for a long period. She emphasised that these challenges must be addressed through a comprehensive programme encompassing waste management, proper waste disposal, the maintenance of waterways and the conservation of low-lying areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara presented details of several major projects currently underway to control flooding and rainwater accumulation in the Colombo District. These included a project, with an allocation exceeding Rs. 15,000 million, already initiated to control flooding in the Kolonnawa area alongside the Kelani River Basin Flood Control Project; a project launched at a cost of Rs. 450 million to clean and develop all waterways in Kaduwela; a project to clean and develop four major canals in Kolonnawa; and a project initiated by the Department of Irrigation to develop the riverbanks of the Kelani River. The Prime Minister paid special attention to the details presented regarding these projects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In addition to the ongoing projects, the Coordinating Committee discussed priority measures that should be implemented to minimise the risk of similar disasters occurring in the future. The Prime Minister stressed that necessary and appropriate decisions must be taken without further delay to address longstanding problems that have become increasingly severe due to the failure to make timely decisions over the years. She pointed out that cleaning canals, drains and waterways should not be an activity undertaken only when a disaster occurs, but must be an ongoing process supported by regular maintenance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister also paid special attention to the progress achieved so far in development programmes being implemented in the Colombo District, rural road development projects across the district, and the Praja Shakthi programme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Dr. Rizvie Salih, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, Deputy Minister of Defence, Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, Members of Parliament representing the Colombo District, chairpersons of local government authorities, and a number of government officials from the Colombo District, including Western Province Chief Secretary Pradeep Pushpakumara.\u003C\u002Fp>",152,[17],[],[],"6af42ee0c7f64abe9d2339f4",[],"2026-11-11T08:45:50.000Z",{"views":132,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":133},65,64,[],{"id":136,"lang":8,"title":137,"subtitle":10,"slug":138,"excerpt":139,"html":140,"readingTimeSec":141,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":142,"tagIds":143,"authorIds":144,"coverMediaId":145,"galleryMediaIds":146,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":147,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":148,"relatedArticleIds":151},"6af42f0dc7f64abe9d233a03","President reviews final 2027 Budget proposals","president-reviews-final-2027-budget-proposals","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (11) reviewed the final document containing the 2027 Budget proposals at the Presidential Secretariat. Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Develo...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the 11th reviewed the final document containing the 2027 Budget proposals at the Presidential Secretariat. Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, was also present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Dissanayake is scheduled to present the 2027 Budget to Parliament on the afternoon of the 12th in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The budget includes Rs. 2,000 billion in capital allocations and moves beyond the goal of economic stabilisation towards economic expansion and transformative development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The present Government has succeeded in achieving significant progress across several key sectors of the economy through sound management and strict fiscal discipline, despite facing both domestic and external challenges, including the Ditwah disaster and the Middle East crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>",34,[17],[],[],"6af42f0dc7f64abe9d2339ff",[],"2026-11-11T08:11:12.000Z",{"views":149,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":150},61,60,[],{"id":153,"lang":8,"title":154,"subtitle":10,"slug":155,"excerpt":156,"html":157,"readingTimeSec":158,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":159,"tagIds":160,"authorIds":161,"coverMediaId":162,"galleryMediaIds":163,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":164,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":165,"relatedArticleIds":167},"6af2dd82c7f64abe9d20a145","Dr. Neville Fernando Memorial Air Force Hospital in Malabe inaugurated under new management","dr-neville-fernando-memorial-air-force-hospital-in-malabe-inaugurated-under-new-management","The Dr. Neville Fernando Memorial Air Force Hospital in Malabe, renovated with the direct contribution of the Sri Lanka Air Force, was officially inaugurated yesterday (09) under the patronage of Minister of He...","\u003Cp>The Dr. Neville Fernando Memorial Air Force Hospital in Malabe was officially inaugurated yesterday (09) under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. The Sri Lanka Air Force made a direct contribution to the hospital’s renovation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe invited Dr. Jayatissa to the occasion. The minister emphasised that the initiative serves as an excellent example of the Government’s programme to make optimal use of unused and underutilised State properties for the benefit of the public.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new management arrangement was put in place after Cabinet approval for a joint proposal submitted by President and Minister of Defence Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Minister of Health and Mass Media. The hospital will operate under a hybrid management framework, replacing the temporary administrative system that had been in place for eight years following its takeover in 2017.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ownership of the hospital has been transferred to a company fully (100%) owned by the General Treasury. Day-to-day operations have been entrusted to the Sri Lanka Air Force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The initiative aims to provide quality healthcare services to Air Force personnel and their families, as well as the general public, by utilising the expertise, professional standards and efficient administrative capabilities of the Air Force. The hospital’s operations will be conducted under the new administration of Chief Executive Officer Air Commodore Neeluka Abeysekera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Jayatissa stated that the Sri Lanka Air Force had long recognised the need for a dedicated hospital to serve its personnel, and that establishing a hospital specifically for the Air Force was one of the key achievements of this initiative. He further noted that, under the guidance of the President, this decision is expected to address the shortage of tertiary-level healthcare facilities in Colombo and Gampaha districts, which are home to a population of nearly five million. In particular, people in Kaduwela, Athurugiriya and Avissawella are expected to benefit from the expanded healthcare services.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the commemorative plaque was unveiled and the hospital was officially opened, distinguished guests participated in an inspection tour of the hospital premises. Among those present were Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retired) Aruna Jayasekara, Member of Parliament Asitha Niroshana, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke, Mrs. Swarnamali Fernando, wife of the late Dr. Neville Fernando, former Commanders of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaveera, members of the Board of Directors, senior officers and hospital staff.\u003C\u002Fp>",115,[17],[],[],"6af2dd82c7f64abe9d20a141",[],"2026-11-10T08:25:06.000Z",{"views":166,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":166},96,[],{"id":169,"lang":8,"title":170,"subtitle":10,"slug":171,"excerpt":172,"html":173,"readingTimeSec":174,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":175,"tagIds":176,"authorIds":177,"coverMediaId":178,"galleryMediaIds":179,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":180,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":181,"relatedArticleIds":183},"6af2a51dc7f64abe9d202b3d","Heavy falls above 100mm likely in several provinces as showers, thundershowers expected","heavy-falls-above-100mm-likely-in-several-provinces-as-showers-thundershowers-expected","Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern province and in Trincomalee district.  Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere in the island after 1.00 p.m.   Heavy falls above 100mm are li...","\u003Cp>Heavy falls above 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern province and in Trincomalee district. Elsewhere in the island, showers or thundershowers will occur after 1.00 p.m. Showers may occur during the morning in the coastal areas of the Southern Province.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misty conditions can be expected during the early hours of the morning at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala 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>",31,[17],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-11-10T04:18:00.000Z",{"views":182,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":182},95,[]]