[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-enhanced-showers-expected-across-sri-lanka-from-today-evening":9,"cover-media-enhanced-showers-expected-across-sri-lanka-from-today-evening":34,"comments-enhanced-showers-expected-across-sri-lanka-from-today-evening":46,"related-enhanced-showers-expected-across-sri-lanka-from-today-evening":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},"6ad6f5bd3b462735d0187df5","en","Enhanced showers expected across Sri Lanka from today evening",null,"enhanced-showers-expected-across-sri-lanka-from-today-evening","Due to the development of an atmospheric disturbance in the lower atmosphere in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, showery condition is expected to be enhanced across the island from today evening.  Showers or thunders...","\u003Cp>Showery conditions are expected to be enhanced across Sri Lanka from today evening due to the development of an atmospheric disturbance in the lower atmosphere in the vicinity of the island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. Heavy falls of about 100 mm are likely at some places in the Northern, North-central, Central, Eastern, North-western and Uva provinces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers may occur in the Northern and North-western provinces during the morning.\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 at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>",34,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[21],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-10-20T04:09:31.000Z",false,"public",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},54,0,[],{"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\u002F09\u002Fe27ab44b-55c6-4d17-aeac-bf8e0caa2b2b\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\u002F09\u002Fe27ab44b-55c6-4d17-aeac-bf8e0caa2b2b\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":47,"meta":48},[],{"total":32,"page":49,"limit":50,"hasMore":28},1,30,{"data":52},[53,69,85,100,115,129,145,161],{"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},"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":67,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":67},35,[],{"id":70,"lang":12,"title":71,"subtitle":14,"slug":72,"excerpt":73,"html":74,"readingTimeSec":75,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":76,"tagIds":77,"authorIds":78,"coverMediaId":79,"galleryMediaIds":80,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":81,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":82,"relatedArticleIds":84},"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":83,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":83},40,[],{"id":86,"lang":12,"title":87,"subtitle":14,"slug":88,"excerpt":89,"html":90,"readingTimeSec":50,"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},"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":98,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":98},37,[],{"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},"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":75,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":75},[],{"id":116,"lang":12,"title":117,"subtitle":14,"slug":118,"excerpt":119,"html":120,"readingTimeSec":83,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":121,"tagIds":122,"authorIds":123,"coverMediaId":124,"galleryMediaIds":125,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":126,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":127,"relatedArticleIds":128},"6ad720583b462735d018fe37","Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra scheduled to attend Sri Lanka–Romania political consultations","deputy-minister-arun-hemachandra-scheduled-to-attend-sri-lanka-romania-political-consultations","Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Bucharest, Romania, from 21 to 26 October 2026, to participate in the Sixth Round of Bil...","\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra is scheduled to take part in the Sixth Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Sri Lanka and Romania in Bucharest on 22 October 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The official visit to Bucharest, Romania, is scheduled from 21 to 26 October 2026. Also planned is the inaugural meeting of the Joint Working Group on Labour Cooperation between the two countries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the visit to Bucharest, Deputy Minister Hemachandra is scheduled to call on the Minister of Labour and hold bilateral discussions with the State Secretaries responsible for Labour and Internal Affairs of Romania. He is also scheduled to meet with the President of the Sri Lanka–Romania Parliamentary Friendship Group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister Hemachandra will address business gatherings organized by Chambers of Commerce in Bucharest, Arad and Constanta. He is also scheduled to meet with members of the Sri Lankan community residing in Romania.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6ad5a4183b462735d0162f82",[],"2026-10-20T07:20:53.000Z",{"views":83,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":83},[],{"id":130,"lang":12,"title":131,"subtitle":14,"slug":132,"excerpt":133,"html":134,"readingTimeSec":135,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":136,"tagIds":137,"authorIds":138,"coverMediaId":139,"galleryMediaIds":140,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":141,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":142,"relatedArticleIds":144},"6ad720593b462735d018fe41","Sri Lanka calls for stronger regional economic cooperation at CICA summit","sri-lanka-calls-for-stronger-regional-economic-cooperation-at-cica-summit","Sri Lanka has emphasised the importance of strengthening regional connectivity, digital transformation and sustainable development to promote economic integration and cooperation across Asia. Minister of Foreig...","\u003Cp>Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath has concluded a two-day official visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, after leading the Sri Lankan delegation to the Seventh Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). Sri Lanka emphasised the importance of strengthening regional connectivity, digital transformation and sustainable development to promote economic integration and cooperation across Asia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The summit was held on October 15, 2026, under Azerbaijan's chairmanship and brought together heads of state, vice presidents and foreign ministers from 28 member states. Talks centred on building a stronger CICA through enhanced connectivity, digitalisation and sustainable development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Delivering Sri Lanka's statement at the summit, Minister Herath welcomed the theme, \"A Stronger CICA for Connectivity, Digitalisation and Sustainable Development in Asia.\" He stressed that stronger connectivity, digital transformation and closer partnerships among member states are essential to achieving meaningful economic integration across the Asian region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The summit ended with adoption of the Baku Declaration, admission of the Lao People's Democratic Republic as a full member, extension of Azerbaijan's chairmanship for 2026–2028, and appointment of Sultan Hajiyev as Secretary-General of CICA.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the visit, Minister Herath met Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the Zagulba Palace. He also held bilateral discussions with counterparts from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Tajikistan, Türkiye and Palestine, and met CICA Secretary-General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, agriculture and energy security, with the aim of strengthening partnerships and identifying new opportunities for mutual benefit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister Herath also took part in a high-level business meeting with SOCAR, Azerbaijan's leading energy company, to explore strategic opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The visit reaffirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to strengthening cooperation with CICA and deepening bilateral relations with its member states. It also highlighted the importance of developing mutually beneficial partnerships in trade, tourism, agriculture and energy while advancing regional connectivity, digital transformation and sustainable economic growth across Asia.\u003C\u002Fp>",87,[21],[],[],"6ad720593b462735d018fe3d",[],"2026-10-20T07:17:15.000Z",{"views":143,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":143},44,[],{"id":146,"lang":12,"title":147,"subtitle":14,"slug":148,"excerpt":149,"html":150,"readingTimeSec":151,"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},"6ad703e33b462735d0189dbf","Navy Commander inspects Southern Naval Command","navy-commander-inspects-southern-naval-command","Navy Commander Vice Admiral Damian Fernando inspected the Southern Naval Command on October 19, reviewing its operational, administrative, development and welfare activities. During the visit, he provided guida...","\u003Cp>Navy Commander Vice Admiral Damian Fernando inspected the Southern Naval Command on October 19. He reviewed its operational, administrative, development and welfare activities and provided guidance to officers and sailors on the Navy’s role in safeguarding national security and contributing to national development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The inspection tour began with visits to the agricultural project established at the Kirindi Oya Naval Detachment under Sri Lanka Navy Ship Kavantissa, the “Sith Saviya” rehabilitation centre and the Naval Holiday Home. He provided instructions to improve the efficiency of administrative and welfare activities carried out at these facilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Amaduwa Naval Sub-Detachment, Vice Admiral Fernando inspected the surveillance operations of the radar station and officially opened a newly installed solar power system at the facility. He also inspected the Kirinda Malima Diving Centre and instructed officials to reorganise its programmes to attract more visitors and promote diving tourism in the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Hambantota, he reviewed the progress of the solar power system being installed at Sri Lanka Navy Ship Kavantissa and the vehicle launching and recovery facility. He subsequently inspected the operations of the Maritime Search and Rescue Sub-Coordination Centre and provided guidance to enhance its operational efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Navy Commander visited Sri Lanka Navy Ship Ruhuna in Tangalle, where he inspected operational, administrative, welfare and development activities. He reviewed the welfare facilities provided to naval personnel through the Naval Holiday Home and the Seva Vanitha shopping complex, as well as naval operations conducted in the vicinity of the Tangalle Fisheries Harbour. He also inspected renovation and development work being carried out at Tangalle Prison with the technical and skilled support of the Sri Lanka Navy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tour included the armoury complex at Pettigalawatta, Galle, where weapons and equipment belonging to foreign private maritime security companies are stored to facilitate Onboard Security Team (OBST) operations for merchant vessels under Sri Lanka Navy Ship Dakshina.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heads of departments, commanding officers and other officers of the Southern Naval Command participated in the inspection tour.\u003C\u002Fp>",89,[21],[],[],"6ad703e33b462735d0189dbb",[],"2026-10-20T05:52:27.000Z",{"views":159,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},55,[],{"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":176},"6ad6f5ad3b462735d0187ded","President appoints expert committee to investigate tusker Kavanthissa’s death","president-appoints-expert-committee-to-investigate-tusker-kavanthissas-death","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed an expert committee to investigate all aspects of the death of the tusker ‘Kavanthissa’, which occurred in the Siyambalangamuwa area of Galgamuwa on or around 16...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed an expert committee to investigate all aspects of the death of the tusker Kavanthissa, develop standard operating procedures for the welfare of wild elephants and make recommendations for a national elephant conservation programme. The tusker died in the Siyambalangamuwa area of Galgamuwa on or around 16 October 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The committee is chaired by former Ministry Secretary A. H. Sarath Wijesinghe. Its members are Professor T. Saminda Fernando, Professor A. G. Anil Pushpakumara, Professor U. K. Kalinga Padmalal, Dr Jagath Gunawardena and Attorney-at-Law Charaka Jayaratne. Additional Secretary to the President W. W. Harrison will serve as coordinator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The committee is to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kavanthissa’s death, including its immediate and underlying causes, and determine whether any lapses or negligence occurred during its treatment. It will also develop standard operating procedures for the welfare of wild elephants and make recommendations for a national elephant conservation programme. It is authorised to seek assistance from both local and international experts in carrying out its work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report to the President within 30 days. The report will include its final findings on tusker Kavanthissa’s death, a proposed framework for standard operating procedures on wild elephant welfare and recommendations for a national elephant conservation programme.\u003C\u002Fp>",58,[21],[],[],"6ad6f5ad3b462735d0187de9",[],"2026-10-20T04:17:55.000Z",{"views":175,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":175},53,[]]