[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-deputy-defence-minister-inspects-navy-maritime-security-facilities-in-galle":9,"cover-media-deputy-defence-minister-inspects-navy-maritime-security-facilities-in-galle":34,"comments-deputy-defence-minister-inspects-navy-maritime-security-facilities-in-galle":46,"related-deputy-defence-minister-inspects-navy-maritime-security-facilities-in-galle":51},[4,4],true,{"data":6},{"articles":7,"ticker":8},[],[],{"data":10},{"id":11,"lang":12,"title":13,"subtitle":14,"slug":15,"excerpt":16,"html":17,"readingTimeSec":18,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":22,"tagIds":23,"authorIds":24,"coverMediaId":25,"galleryMediaIds":26,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":27,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":30,"relatedArticleIds":33},"6ad847293b462735d01b057c","en","Deputy Defence Minister inspects Navy maritime security facilities in Galle",null,"deputy-defence-minister-inspects-navy-maritime-security-facilities-in-galle","Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) inspected Sri Lanka Navy facilities supporting maritime security operations for merchant vessels during a visit to the Pettigalawatta Armoury Com...","\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) inspected Sri Lanka Navy facilities supporting maritime security operations for merchant vessels at the Pettigalawatta Armoury Complex in Galle on 20 October 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Damian Fernando accompanied him. Jayasekara reviewed facilities provided for foreign private maritime security companies to store weapons and equipment used by security teams deployed aboard merchant vessels. The facilities support the Navy’s Onboard Security Team (OBST) operations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sri Lanka Navy began independently conducting OBST support operations on 3 October 2025 under agreements with foreign private maritime security companies. Over the past year, the operations have generated approximately USD 3.32 million in foreign exchange earnings, contributing to the national economy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, 28 foreign private maritime security companies, operating through 10 local agents, obtain the necessary facilities and services from the Sri Lanka Navy for their maritime security operations. These activities are conducted under the full supervision of the Ministry of Defence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jayasekara assessed the progress of the operations during the visit and commended the Navy for its contribution to the national economy through the successful implementation of these activities within a relatively short period. He issued instructions to ensure the continued efficient and effective conduct of the operations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Presidential Advisor on Legal Affairs and Senior Attorney-at-Law J. M. Wijebandara, Additional Secretary (Civil Security and Development) of the Ministry of Defence Indika Wijegunawardena, and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and Sri Lanka Navy were also present.\u003C\u002Fp>",67,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[21],[],[],"6ad847293b462735d01b0578",[],"2026-10-21T04:45:17.000Z",false,"public",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},27,0,[],{"data":35},{"id":25,"url":36,"width":37,"height":38,"variants":39,"alt":14,"caption":14,"credit":14},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F10\u002F01291cb3-5ff5-4bba-b107-9218e73d8114\u002Foriginal.jpg",800,595,[40],{"key":41,"width":42,"height":43,"format":44,"url":45},"thumb",320,238,"webp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F10\u002F01291cb3-5ff5-4bba-b107-9218e73d8114\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":47,"meta":48},[],{"total":32,"page":49,"limit":50,"hasMore":28},1,30,{"data":52},[53,69,84,100,115,131,146,161],{"id":54,"lang":12,"title":55,"subtitle":14,"slug":56,"excerpt":57,"html":58,"readingTimeSec":59,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":60,"tagIds":61,"authorIds":62,"coverMediaId":63,"galleryMediaIds":64,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":65,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":66,"relatedArticleIds":68},"6ad89bb53b462735d01b79a4","Expert committee on tusker Kawanthissa's death holds first meeting","expert-committee-on-tusker-kawanthissas-death-holds-first-meeting","The expert committee appointed to investigate the death of tusker ‘Kawanthissa’ and formulate recommendations for a National Elephant Conservation Programme held its first meeting at the Presidential Secretaria...","\u003Cp>An expert committee appointed to investigate the death of tusker 'Kawanthissa' and formulate recommendations for a National Elephant Conservation Programme held its first meeting at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (21). Presidential Chief of Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi chaired the meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed the committee to investigate all aspects of the elephant's death in the Siyambalangamuwa area of Galgamuwa on or around October 16, 2026, develop standard operating procedures for the welfare of wild elephants and recommend a national programme for elephant conservation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting discussed the cause of the elephant's death, the nature of its injuries and the intervention of the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Attention was also given to developing science-based procedures to ensure prompt action in similar incidents and establishing a Rapid Response Veterinary Unit for timely field intervention. It was further decided to seek the support of local and foreign experts in this process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those present included Additional Secretary to the President W. W. Harrison, the committee's coordinator; former Ministry Secretary A. H. Sarath Wijesinghe, the committee's chairperson; and committee members Professor T. Saminda Fernando, Professor P. G. Anil Pushpakumara, Professor U. K. Kalinga Padmalal, Dr Jagath Gunawardena and Attorney-at-Law Charaka Jayaratne.\u003C\u002Fp>",54,[21],[],[],"6ad89bb53b462735d01b79a0",[],"2026-10-21T10:36:53.000Z",{"views":67,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":67},25,[],{"id":70,"lang":12,"title":71,"subtitle":14,"slug":72,"excerpt":73,"html":74,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":75,"tagIds":76,"authorIds":77,"coverMediaId":78,"galleryMediaIds":79,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":80,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":81,"relatedArticleIds":83},"6ad89b9d3b462735d01b7999","U.S. SPACEPAC delegation visits Southern Naval Command Headquarters","us-spacepac-delegation-visits-southern-naval-command-headquarters","A delegation from the U.S. Space Forces Pacific (SPACEPAC) and the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, led by Lieutenant Colonel Shumpei Fujimura, Head of Security Cooperation for SPACEPAC, visited the Southern Naval Co...","\u003Cp>Lieutenant Colonel Shumpei Fujimura, Head of Security Cooperation for U.S. Space Forces Pacific (SPACEPAC), led a delegation from SPACEPAC and the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka to the Southern Naval Command Headquarters on the 21st and called on Commodore Aruna Weerasinghe, Deputy Area Commander of the Southern Naval Area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting focused on enhancing space domain awareness, strengthening military ties and discussing matters of mutual interest. The cordial meeting concluded with an exchange of mementoes, marking the significance of the occasion.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6ad89b9d3b462735d01b7995",[],"2026-10-21T10:35:32.000Z",{"views":82,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":82},26,[],{"id":85,"lang":12,"title":86,"subtitle":14,"slug":87,"excerpt":88,"html":89,"readingTimeSec":90,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":91,"tagIds":92,"authorIds":93,"coverMediaId":94,"galleryMediaIds":95,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":96,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":97,"relatedArticleIds":99},"6ad89bb63b462735d01b79ae","69th IPA World Congress begins in Colombo","69th-ipa-world-congress-begins-in-colombo","The 69th World Congress of the International Police Association (IPA) commenced today (21) at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath attending...","\u003Cp>The 69th World Congress of the International Police Association (IPA) commenced on 21 October at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath attending as the Chief Guest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Congress is being held from October 20 to 25, 2026, and brings together more than 400 delegates representing 69 countries. It is the first time an IPA World Congress has been held in an Asian country.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The IPA is a non-governmental organisation with more than 600,000 members worldwide. It promotes social, cultural and professional friendship among serving and retired police officers. Under its motto, \"Servo per Amikeco\" (\"Service Through Friendship\"), the association works to strengthen international cooperation and mutual understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martin Hoffmann is the current World President of the IPA. Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya heads the Sri Lanka Section.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the gathering, Herath welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka. He emphasised the importance of international cooperation in tackling cross-border crime, organised criminal networks and emerging law enforcement challenges. He also invited the delegates to experience Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, hospitality and local traditions during their stay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The IPA Friendship Week will follow the Congress from October 25 to 31, featuring a tour programme across Sri Lanka. The programme will offer delegates opportunities to explore the country’s cultural heritage, ancient cities, historical sites, natural landscapes, cuisine and traditions.\u003C\u002Fp>",64,[21],[],[],"6ad89bb63b462735d01b79aa",[],"2026-10-21T10:33:13.000Z",{"views":98,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":98},31,[],{"id":101,"lang":12,"title":102,"subtitle":14,"slug":103,"excerpt":104,"html":105,"readingTimeSec":106,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":107,"tagIds":108,"authorIds":109,"coverMediaId":110,"galleryMediaIds":111,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":112,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":113,"relatedArticleIds":114},"6ad847293b462735d01b0584","Low-level disturbance near Sri Lanka likely to become low-pressure area","low-level-disturbance-near-sri-lanka-likely-to-become-low-pressure-area","A low level atmospheric disturbance near Sri Lanka is likely to develop into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours. Under the influence of this system, an increase in rainfall is expected over the island...","\u003Cp>A low level atmospheric disturbance near Sri Lanka is likely to develop into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours. The system is expected to bring an increase in rainfall over the island and the deep and shallow sea areas around the island during the next few days from today (21).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public, as well as the naval and fishing communities, are requested to be attentive to future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers will occur at times over most parts of the island. Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island. Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Northern and Southern provinces and in Anuradhapura district.\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. Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>",47,[21],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-10-21T04:31:38.000Z",{"views":82,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":82},[],{"id":116,"lang":12,"title":117,"subtitle":14,"slug":118,"excerpt":119,"html":120,"readingTimeSec":121,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":122,"tagIds":123,"authorIds":124,"coverMediaId":125,"galleryMediaIds":126,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":127,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":128,"relatedArticleIds":130},"6ad7584d3b462735d0195962","Cabinet approves Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme for 2026\u002F2027 with enhanced benefits","cabinet-approves-suraksha-student-insurance-scheme-for-20262027-with-enhanced-benefits","The Cabinet of Ministers has agreed to implement the Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme for the 2026\u002F2027 period with a range of new and enhanced benefits for students. The scheme will cover the period from 1 Se...","\u003Cp>The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to implement the Suraksha Student Insurance Scheme for the 2026\u002F2027 period with a range of new and enhanced benefits for students. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, informed the Cabinet of the proposed implementation with the additional benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scheme will cover 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027. It will be carried out through an amendment to the existing agreement between the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the enhanced benefits, students will be eligible for up to Rs. 75,000 for cochlear implant repairs and up to Rs. 20,000 for long-term medication for chronic kidney disease and chronic inflammatory arthritis. The revised scheme will also provide benefits of up to Rs. 20,000 for tests to detect specified medical conditions, including skin cancer, osteoporosis screening, and Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV testing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The proposed expansion of insurance coverage will include cancer treatment and related tests, PET scans, and hip, shoulder and knee joint replacement surgeries required due to accidents. A benefit of Rs. 100,000 will be provided in the event of a student's death resulting from an accident during educational trips, sports events or other activities conducted under the supervision of education authorities.\u003C\u002Fp>",61,[21],[],[],"6ad7584d3b462735d019595e",[],"2026-10-20T11:01:39.000Z",{"views":129,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":129},56,[],{"id":132,"lang":12,"title":133,"subtitle":14,"slug":134,"excerpt":135,"html":136,"readingTimeSec":137,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":138,"tagIds":139,"authorIds":140,"coverMediaId":141,"galleryMediaIds":142,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":143,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":144,"relatedArticleIds":145},"6ad74a103b462735d0194887","Cabinet approves submitting mandatory Sri Lanka Standards for imported car and three-wheeler tyres to Parliament","cabinet-approves-submitting-mandatory-sri-lanka-standards-for-imported-car-and-three-wheeler-tyres-to-parliament","The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the submission of regulations requiring imported passenger car tyres and three-wheeler tyres to comply with mandatory Sri Lanka Standards for parliamentary approval. The re...","\u003Cp>The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the submission to Parliament of regulations requiring imported passenger car tyres and three-wheeler tyres to comply with mandatory Sri Lanka Standards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The regulations were issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Regulations No. 08 of 2026, through Extraordinary Gazette No. 2508\u002F27 dated 1 October 2026, and aim to ensure fair competition for local manufacturers and strengthen consumer protection. Under the regulations, Sri Lanka Standard 1212 has been prescribed for passenger car tyres, and Sri Lanka Standard 1347 applies to pneumatic tyres used for three-wheelers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Approval was granted to a proposal submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to present the regulations to Parliament for approval.\u003C\u002Fp>",33,[21],[],[],"6ad74a103b462735d0194883",[],"2026-10-20T10:58:53.000Z",{"views":121,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":121},[],{"id":147,"lang":12,"title":148,"subtitle":14,"slug":149,"excerpt":150,"html":151,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":152,"tagIds":153,"authorIds":154,"coverMediaId":155,"galleryMediaIds":156,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":157,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":158,"relatedArticleIds":160},"6ad74a103b462735d0194891","President Dissanayake pays last respects to Most Venerable Kappetiyagoda Siri Wimala Thera","president-dissanayake-pays-last-respects-to-most-venerable-kappetiyagoda-siri-wimala-thera","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (20) paid his last respects to the remains of Most Venerable Kappetiyagoda Siri Wimala Thera, Anunayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and Chief Incumbent of the R...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (20) visited the Rajopawanaramaya Temple in Gatambe, Kandy, where the remains of Most Venerable Kappetiyagoda Siri Wimala Thera are lying, and paid his last respects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most Venerable Kappetiyagoda Siri Wimala Thera, Anunayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and Chief Incumbent of the Rajopawanaramaya Temple in Gatambe, Kandy, passed away. The President subsequently expressed his deepest condolences to the Maha Sangha and the temple’s Dayaka Sabha, who are mourning the passing of the Thera.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Central Province Governor and Consultant Physician Dr Harsha Suranga Fernando, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta and several others were also present on the occasion.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6ad74a103b462735d019488d",[],"2026-10-20T10:52:46.000Z",{"views":159,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":159},57,[],{"id":162,"lang":12,"title":163,"subtitle":14,"slug":164,"excerpt":165,"html":166,"readingTimeSec":167,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":168,"tagIds":169,"authorIds":170,"coverMediaId":171,"galleryMediaIds":172,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":173,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":174,"relatedArticleIds":175},"6ad74a243b462735d019489b","Prime Minister and Speaker attend Navaratri Puja at Parliament","prime-minister-and-speaker-attend-navaratri-puja-at-parliament","The Navaratri Puja, organised within the premises of the Sri Lankan Parliament to symbolise the country’s multi-religious harmony, was ceremonially held on 20 October with the participation of Prime Minister Dr...","\u003Cp>The Navaratri Puja was held ceremonially on 20 October within the premises of the Sri Lankan Parliament, with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne taking part. The ceremony was organised to symbolise the country’s multi-religious harmony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The annual Navaratri Puja was organised this year by the Parliament of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The festival commenced with the performance of religious rituals. Those attending were further entertained by several devotional dance performances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the gathering, Dr. Amarasuriya stated that this religious ceremony, conducted with good intentions, would bring blessings to the entire country. She further emphasised that a better nation could be built through religious and cultural harmony founded on respect for other cultures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Wickramaratne expressed his wishes that, according to Hindu beliefs, the blessings of Goddess Durga would dispel evil, the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi would bring prosperity and abundance, and the blessings of Goddess Saraswati would enhance wisdom. He further noted that organising such celebrations through the collective participation of everyone, without any discrimination, served as a positive example.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The event was attended by Hindu religious priests; Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih; Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara; Chief Government Whip and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa; Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi; Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar; Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Sundaralingam Pradeep; Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunatilaka; Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera; and members of the parliamentary staff, affiliated staff and security personnel, including the Police.\u003C\u002Fp>",76,[21],[],[],"6ad74a243b462735d0194897",[],"2026-10-20T10:50:30.000Z",{"views":106,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":106},[]]