[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-professor-hmjc-pitawala-appointed-vice-chancellor-of-uva-wellassa-university":9,"cover-media-professor-hmjc-pitawala-appointed-vice-chancellor-of-uva-wellassa-university":34,"comments-professor-hmjc-pitawala-appointed-vice-chancellor-of-uva-wellassa-university":46,"related-professor-hmjc-pitawala-appointed-vice-chancellor-of-uva-wellassa-university":50},[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},"6ae440be3b462735d031bc79","en","Professor H.M.J.C. Pitawala appointed Vice-Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University",null,"professor-hmjc-pitawala-appointed-vice-chancellor-of-uva-wellassa-university","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Professor H.M.J.C. Pitawala as the new Vice-Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University. The letter of appointment was presented to Professor Pitawala yeaterday aftern...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Professor H.M.J.C. Pitawala as the new Vice-Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake presented the letter of appointment to Professor Pitawala yesterday afternoon (29). The appointment will take effect from 2 November 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Professor Pitawala previously served as a Professor in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Uva Wellassa University.\u003C\u002Fp>",30,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[21],[],[],"6ae440be3b462735d031bc75",[],"2026-10-30T06:05:54.000Z",false,"public",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},24,0,[],{"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\u002F17144e0b-531d-4e8f-ab64-a938981bc221\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\u002F17144e0b-531d-4e8f-ab64-a938981bc221\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":47,"meta":48},[],{"total":32,"page":49,"limit":18,"hasMore":28},1,{"data":51},[52,69,85,101,117,132,148,163],{"id":53,"lang":12,"title":54,"subtitle":14,"slug":55,"excerpt":56,"html":57,"readingTimeSec":58,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":59,"tagIds":60,"authorIds":61,"coverMediaId":62,"galleryMediaIds":63,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":64,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":65,"relatedArticleIds":68},"6ae432cc3b462735d031a2fc","Israel to recruit Sri Lankan workers only through G2G programme from 2027","israel-to-recruit-sri-lankan-workers-only-through-g2g-programme-from-2027","The recruitment of Sri Lankan workers for employment in Israel will be carried out exclusively through a Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangement from January 1, 2027, following a new policy decision by the I...","\u003Cp>Sri Lankan workers will be recruited for employment in Israel exclusively through a Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangement from January 1, 2027, following a new policy decision by the Israeli Government.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Israel has informed the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) of the decision. Recruitment through licensed private foreign employment agencies will end on December 31, 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The SLBFE stated that details of the new recruitment process and selection criteria for 2027 have not yet been announced. The Bureau has advised job seekers not to make payments to individuals or agencies promising Israeli employment and not to participate in private-sector interviews and selection processes until official instructions are issued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who have already made legitimate payments need not be concerned. The Bureau has requested relevant details from licensed agencies and will announce further instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The public is advised to follow only official announcements issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and the SLBFE. The Bureau is coordinating with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel and relevant Israeli authorities to safeguard the welfare of prospective workers.\u003C\u002Fp>",50,[21],[],[],"6ae432cc3b462735d031a2f8",[],"2026-10-30T05:52:32.000Z",{"views":66,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":67},29,28,[],{"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},"6ae424a73b462735d0318125","Sri Lanka and Türkiye discuss tourism cooperation in Ankara","sri-lanka-and-turkiye-discuss-tourism-cooperation-in-ankara","Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra met with Dr. Serdar Çam, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, in Ankara on October 30, during his officia...","\u003Cp>Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, met Dr. Serdar Çam, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, in Ankara on October 30 during his official visit to Türkiye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The talks centred on promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination among Turkish travellers, strengthening bilateral tourism ties, and exploring opportunities for cultural exchanges and development of the tourism sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Particular attention was given to Türkiye’s expertise in archaeological heritage preservation, cultural tourism and high-value tourism development. Türkiye’s experience in integrating historical and archaeological sites into tourism offerings was identified as a valuable source of knowledge for Sri Lanka in further developing its heritage-based tourism sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides also explored opportunities for knowledge sharing, institutional collaboration and strengthening people-to-people connections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and untapped tourism potential offer opportunities to diversify the country’s tourism industry. Enhanced cooperation and the exchange of expertise between the two countries are expected to support the development of a more sustainable, high-value tourism sector, generating wider benefits for the people and the economy.\u003C\u002Fp>",48,[21],[],[],"6ae424a73b462735d0318121",[],"2026-10-30T04:06:14.000Z",{"views":67,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":83},27,[],{"id":86,"lang":12,"title":87,"subtitle":14,"slug":88,"excerpt":89,"html":90,"readingTimeSec":91,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":92,"tagIds":93,"authorIds":94,"coverMediaId":95,"galleryMediaIds":96,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":97,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":98,"relatedArticleIds":100},"6ae424a33b462735d031811b","Showers expected in several provinces","showers-expected-in-several-provinces","Several spells of showers are expected in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts, according to the latest weather forecast. A few showers may occur in the North-Western Pro...","\u003Cp>According to the latest weather forecast, several spells of showers are expected in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts. A few showers may occur in the North-Western Province.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Central, Uva and Eastern provinces and in the Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts after 1.00 p.m. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm is likely at some places in these areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mainly fair weather conditions are expected in other parts of the island. Misty conditions may occur at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces during the early hours of the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimise possible damage caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.\u003C\u002Fp>",35,[21],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-10-30T04:03:38.000Z",{"views":99,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},25,[],{"id":102,"lang":12,"title":103,"subtitle":14,"slug":104,"excerpt":105,"html":106,"readingTimeSec":107,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":108,"tagIds":109,"authorIds":110,"coverMediaId":111,"galleryMediaIds":112,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":113,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":114,"relatedArticleIds":116},"6ae327933b462735d02f2a99","President instructs sports officials to plan for international athletes and a healthier population","president-instructs-sports-officials-to-plan-for-international-athletes-and-a-healthier-population","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials of the Ministry of Sports to prepare plans to promote sports with the aim of producing athletes capable of achieving international success, fostering ...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials of the Ministry of Sports to prepare plans to promote sports with the aim of producing athletes capable of achieving international success, fostering a sporting culture in the country and building a healthier population.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President gave the instructions while taking part in a discussion on the 2027 Budget proposals for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (29).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President said non-communicable diseases have become one of the major challenges facing the health sector and that sports could play a significant role in addressing this challenge. He emphasised the importance of changing public attitudes and encouraging greater participation in sports to promote active and healthy lifestyles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He noted that walking paths have been constructed across the country, but that some areas have yet to achieve the intended benefits from these facilities. He highlighted the need to introduce new programmes to encourage the public to make greater use of them. Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date database of sports grounds, walking paths and indoor stadiums across the country, he pointed out, would facilitate the proper planning of these programmes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>New projects planned for 2027 also featured in the discussion, including the establishment of a National High Performance Centre to raise the performance of Sri Lankan athletes to international standards, the construction of a 400-metre synthetic running track in Anuradhapura, the completion of outstanding work and development of the Diyagama International Stadium, the upgrading of the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, and research on sports and exercise to be conducted jointly by sports medicine institutions and universities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Progress and future plans relating to programmes implemented by the Youth Corps and the National Youth Services Council were also reviewed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinindu Saman Hennayake, Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr Harshana Sooriyapperuma, Director General of the Department of Sports Development and Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports S. Achchudan, Chairman and Director General of the National Youth Services Council, Attorney-at-Law Supun Wijerathne, Chairman of the National Youth Corps Nalin Radampola and officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports attended the meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>",103,[21],[],[],"6ae327933b462735d02f2a95",[],"2026-10-29T10:31:48.000Z",{"views":115,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":115},67,[],{"id":118,"lang":12,"title":119,"subtitle":14,"slug":120,"excerpt":121,"html":122,"readingTimeSec":91,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":123,"tagIds":124,"authorIds":125,"coverMediaId":126,"galleryMediaIds":127,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":128,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":129,"relatedArticleIds":131},"6ae30bbb3b462735d02ef101","Centrum Air launches direct Tashkent–Mattala flights","centrum-air-launches-direct-tashkent-mattala-flights","Uzbekistan-based airline Centrum Air launched scheduled direct flights between Tashkent and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) on 28 October 2026, establishing a new air link between Sri Lanka and C...","\u003Cp>Uzbekistan-based airline Centrum Air launched scheduled direct flights between Tashkent and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) on 28 October 2026, establishing a new air link between Sri Lanka and Central Asia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The airline plans to operate the service twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, throughout the 2026–2027 tourism season. Passengers arriving from Uzbekistan were warmly welcomed upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The service is expected to create additional opportunities for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry while strengthening connectivity between the two countries. The route is expected to support tourism growth and strengthen travel and business links between Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Royal Spence Aviation, a subsidiary of Aitken Spence PLC, has been appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) and airport supervision agent for Centrum Air in Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>",[21],[],[],"6ae30bbb3b462735d02ef0fd",[],"2026-10-29T08:31:48.000Z",{"views":130,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":115},68,[],{"id":133,"lang":12,"title":134,"subtitle":14,"slug":135,"excerpt":136,"html":137,"readingTimeSec":138,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":139,"tagIds":140,"authorIds":141,"coverMediaId":142,"galleryMediaIds":143,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":144,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":145,"relatedArticleIds":147},"6ae2fe2d3b462735d02ec104","Hemachandra, Tuzcu discuss expanding Sri Lanka–Türkiye trade and investment","hemachandra-tuzcu-discuss-expanding-sri-lanka-turkiye-trade-and-investment","Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra met with Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Mustafa Tuzcu, in Ankara on 27 October 2026 to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and i...","\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra met Türkiye’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Mustafa Tuzcu, in Ankara on 27 October 2026 for talks on strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting formed part of Deputy Minister Hemachandra’s official visit to Türkiye. Discussions centred on expanding bilateral commerce, improving market access for Sri Lankan products, identifying new export opportunities and encouraging greater investment between the two countries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides also explored ways to strengthen links between their business communities, promote private-sector partnerships and tap into the untapped potential of Sri Lanka–Türkiye economic relations. The meeting highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and practical cooperation in building a stronger economic partnership and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.\u003C\u002Fp>",33,[21],[],[],"6ae2fe2d3b462735d02ec100",[],"2026-10-29T07:45:10.000Z",{"views":146,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":146},69,[],{"id":149,"lang":12,"title":150,"subtitle":14,"slug":151,"excerpt":152,"html":153,"readingTimeSec":154,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":155,"tagIds":156,"authorIds":157,"coverMediaId":158,"galleryMediaIds":159,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":160,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":161,"relatedArticleIds":162},"6ae2fe2d3b462735d02ec10e","Prime Minister says AI presents both opportunities and responsibilities","prime-minister-says-ai-presents-both-opportunities-and-responsibilities","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest at the University of Colombo International Conference yesterday (28). The conference is held under the theme 'Advancing an Inclusive Future ...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya took part as the Chief Guest at the University of Colombo International Conference yesterday (28). The conference, under the theme 'Advancing an Inclusive Future through AI, Sustainability and Innovation', will be held on 28–29 October 2026 at the Main Auditorium, UCFM Tower, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the conference, the Prime Minister highlighted the vital role of universities and research institutions in shaping the country’s future by generating knowledge, promoting critical thinking and developing solutions to national challenges. She emphasised that ensuring equitable access to quality education is a fundamental national responsibility, and that the benefits of development must be shared equitably among all communities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister also highlighted that artificial intelligence presents both significant opportunities and important responsibilities. While AI has the potential to improve education, strengthen research, enhance public services and create new economic opportunities, its risks including inaccurate information, bias, data privacy concerns and unequal access, must be addressed. She stressed the importance of promoting the responsible use of AI, strengthening digital literacy and ensuring that human judgement, accountability and the public interest remain central to decisions involving these technologies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Prime Minister further emphasised that innovation must serve the public interest, research must inform national priorities, and the opportunities created by emerging technologies must be shared more equitably. Achieving these goals, she noted, requires sustained cooperation and a strong sense of collective responsibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The occasion was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, officials of the Ministry of Education, Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, academics and researchers, and the members of the University community.\u003C\u002Fp>",75,[21],[],[],"6ae2fe2d3b462735d02ec10a",[],"2026-10-29T07:20:02.000Z",{"views":130,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":115},[],{"id":164,"lang":12,"title":165,"subtitle":14,"slug":166,"excerpt":167,"html":168,"readingTimeSec":169,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":170,"tagIds":171,"authorIds":172,"coverMediaId":173,"galleryMediaIds":174,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":175,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":176,"relatedArticleIds":178},"6ae2fe373b462735d02ec1b7","Green economy essential for Sri Lanka's sustainable development, Herath says","green-economy-essential-for-sri-lankas-sustainable-development-herath-says","Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath has emphasised that a green economy is an essential foundation for Sri Lanka’s sustainable economic development. The Minister made thes...","\u003Cp>A green economy is an essential foundation for Sri Lanka's sustainable economic development, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath has emphasised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herath made the remarks while attending the Sri Lanka Green Economy Forum 2026 on 28 October at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. The Green Building Council of Sri Lanka organised the event in collaboration with the World Green Building Council (WGBC). It was held for the first time in Sri Lanka, alongside the 15th Annual Green Building Awards Ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Government representatives, policymakers, international green economy leaders and business professionals gathered to discuss sustainable development. The forum focused on the circular economy, sustainable finance, environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, and green technologies. The awards ceremony recognised achievements in sustainable construction, manufacturing and corporate sustainability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speaking at the forum, Herath highlighted the importance of integrating sustainable finance, transparent business practices, green technology and circular economy principles into Sri Lanka's national development strategy. He also stressed the need to strengthen international partnerships to improve access to green technologies, expertise, sustainable financing and responsible investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cooperation in renewable energy, energy-efficient construction, waste management and climate-resilient infrastructure was also highlighted as important for the country's development. The minister noted that sustainability is no longer an option but an essential pathway towards resilient and sustainable development.\u003C\u002Fp>",60,[21],[],[],"6ae2fe373b462735d02ec1b3",[],"2026-10-29T07:15:40.000Z",{"views":177,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":169},61,[]]