[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-showers-expected-in-western-and-sabaragamuwa-provinces-and-several-districts-2":9,"cover-media-showers-expected-in-western-and-sabaragamuwa-provinces-and-several-districts-2":34,"comments-showers-expected-in-western-and-sabaragamuwa-provinces-and-several-districts-2":46,"related-showers-expected-in-western-and-sabaragamuwa-provinces-and-several-districts-2":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},"6ae2d31e3b462735d02e5baa","en","Showers expected in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and several districts",null,"showers-expected-in-western-and-sabaragamuwa-provinces-and-several-districts-2","Several spells of showers will occur in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.  Showers or thunder showers will occur at a few places in Uva province and in B...","\u003Cp>Several spells of showers are expected in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers or thunder showers are expected at a few places in Uva province and in Batticaloa, Ampara and Hambantota districts after 1.00 p.m. Mainly fair weather conditions are expected in other areas of the Island.\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>",30,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[21],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-10-29T04:01:12.000Z",false,"public",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},10,0,[],{"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":18,"hasMore":28},1,{"data":51},[52,68,84,99,115,131,147,163],{"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":67},"6ae2c56a3b462735d02e40e7","President Dissanayake emphasises unhindered government assistance for Sri Lankan migrant workers","president-dissanayake-emphasises-unhindered-government-assistance-for-sri-lankan-migrant-workers","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasised that all government assistance due to Sri Lankan migrant workers, who make a significant contribution to the country’s economy by earning much-needed foreign ex...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasised that Sri Lankan migrant workers, who make a significant contribution to the country’s economy by earning much-needed foreign exchange, must be given all government assistance due to them without hesitation or obstruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He made the remarks during a discussion with officials of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (28).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The discussion focused extensively on the implementation and progress of welfare programmes currently carried out by the Bureau for Sri Lankan migrant workers. Issues encountered in providing housing schemes and other loan facilities for these workers, as well as duty-free concessions, were also taken up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President highlighted the need to maintain an accurate and up-to-date database of Sri Lankans working overseas, noting that this would enable welfare programmes for them to be implemented in a more systematic and efficient manner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Kosala Wickramasinghe and other officials attended the meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>",56,[21],[],[],"6ae2c56a3b462735d02e40e3",[],"2026-10-28T15:52:59.000Z",{"views":66,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":66},15,[],{"id":69,"lang":12,"title":70,"subtitle":14,"slug":71,"excerpt":72,"html":73,"readingTimeSec":74,"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},"6ae2c56a3b462735d02e40f1","President leads discussion on plans to attract strong investors to mineral industry","president-leads-discussion-on-plans-to-attract-strong-investors-to-mineral-industry","A discussion on preparing plans to attract strong investors to Sri Lanka’s mineral industry was held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (28), under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake...","\u003Cp>A discussion on preparing plans to attract strong investors to Sri Lanka’s mineral industry was held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (28), under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Progress in identifying lands suitable for the mineral industry and locating mineral deposits was reviewed. President Dissanayake emphasised the need to promptly identify the potential of the country’s mineral resources and take steps to attract strong investors to the sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exploration progress in Kahatagaha and Eppawala, as well as measures to attract investors, was discussed in detail. Extensive discussions were held on providing the necessary facilities so that reports on mineral reserves and exploration issued by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau are prepared in accordance with international standards and gain international recognition. Particular attention was also given to the possibility of assigning future mineral reserve exploration activities to external experts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officials from the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development informed the meeting that a robust policy framework was being formulated to ensure that gem mining activities were carried out legally and systematically. Progress on measures taken to minimise fraud in gem exports was also reviewed. Construction progress of the Gem and Jewellery Centre, being established to develop the local gem industry and attract foreign investors, was also discussed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting was attended by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development J. M. T. Jayasundara, Chartered Geologist and Director General of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau K. N. Bandara, Director of Mapping and Geo-information D. T. D. S. Wijesundara, Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Dr S. P. Chaminda, Chairman of Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited E. P. A. Hemalal, and other officials.\u003C\u002Fp>",82,[21],[],[],"6ae2c56a3b462735d02e40ed",[],"2026-10-28T13:47:06.000Z",{"views":82,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":82},16,[],{"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":98},"6ae2c56a3b462735d02e40fb","President discusses 2030 tourism targets with industry representatives","president-discusses-2030-tourism-targets-with-industry-representatives","A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and representatives of tourism industry associations was held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (28) to discuss achieving the targets of genera...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a discussion with representatives of tourism industry associations at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (28) on achieving targets of generating US$10 billion in tourism revenue and attracting five million tourists to Sri Lanka by 2030.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talks covered steps to further promote the tourism sector. Particular attention was given to improving domestic air travel facilities, especially to destinations such as Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Sigiriya and Jaffna. It was noted that 10 new international airlines had commenced flights to Sri Lanka this year. Measures required to increase that number to 50 were also discussed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting focused on utilising national parks that attract tourists to support growth of the tourism industry, while introducing laws and regulations to protect forest resources. Progress on global promotional campaigns currently being implemented to promote Sri Lanka's tourism industry was reviewed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Discussions were also held on bringing all tourist hotels and accommodation providers under the relevant legal framework by requiring them to register with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, with the aim of formalising the country's tourism industry. Special attention was given to introducing the necessary laws and regulations to govern businesses operated by foreign nationals in Sri Lanka in violation of the prescribed legal procedures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who attended included Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando; Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage; Sri Lanka Hotels Association President Ashoka Hettigoda; Vice President of the Resorts Association Eksath Wijeratne; Deputy President (General) Dimitri Coorey; Senior Management Committee member Chamin Wickramasinghe; Chief Executive Officer Priyantha Fernando; and Bobby Jordan Hansen, President of the Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators Association. Members of the task force established to promote the tourism sector and representatives of several tourism industry associations were also present.\u003C\u002Fp>",83,[21],[],[],"6ae2c56a3b462735d02e40f7",[],"2026-10-28T13:25:43.000Z",{"views":66,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":66},[],{"id":100,"lang":12,"title":101,"subtitle":14,"slug":102,"excerpt":103,"html":104,"readingTimeSec":105,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":106,"tagIds":107,"authorIds":108,"coverMediaId":109,"galleryMediaIds":110,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":111,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":112,"relatedArticleIds":114},"6ae1d6263b462735d02c5fb2","Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya meets US Ambassador Eric Meyer","prime-minister-harini-amarasuriya-meets-us-ambassador-eric-meyer","The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, met with the Ambassador of the United States of America to Sri Lanka, Mr. Eric Meyer and the accompanying delegation on 27 October at Temple Trees. Welcoming the Amba...","\u003Cp>Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Ambassador of the United States of America to Sri Lanka, Mr. Eric Meyer, and the accompanying delegation on 27 October at Temple Trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Welcoming the Ambassador, Dr. Amarasuriya acknowledged the longstanding contribution of the Fulbright Scholarship Programme towards strengthening educational and academic cooperation between the two countries. She emphasized the importance of further enhancing the programme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sides discussed opportunities to expand bilateral trade and economic relations, strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector, and promote Sri Lanka as a destination for American tourists. The importance of enhancing maritime security cooperation, including collaboration in addressing shared maritime challenges, was also discussed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ambassador briefed the Prime Minister on the United States Peace Corps English language training programme and its potential contribution to strengthening English language education in Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and the United States of America through continued dialogue and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting was attended by Mr. David Myers, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America in Colombo, and the accompanying delegation, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister and the Director, Europe and North America, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>",61,[21],[],[],"6ae1d6263b462735d02c5fae",[],"2026-10-28T10:23:45.000Z",{"views":113,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":113},55,[],{"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},"6ae1ac473b462735d02bd873","Sri Lanka and Canada discuss cooperation against organised crime and human trafficking","sri-lanka-and-canada-discuss-cooperation-against-organised-crime-and-human-trafficking","Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala met Canadian High Commissioner Isabelle Marie Catherine Martin on October 27 at the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to...","\u003Cp>Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala met Canadian High Commissioner Isabelle Marie Catherine Martin on October 27 at the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and security cooperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sides exchanged views on security challenges affecting both countries and explored ways to further enhance cooperation. Particular attention was given to combating organised crime, preventing drug trafficking, addressing human trafficking and strengthening cooperation in law enforcement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides also discussed the need to implement joint public awareness programmes to combat human trafficking, as a collaborative initiative between the governments of Sri Lanka and Canada.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ravi Seneviratne and several Canadian diplomatic representatives also attended the meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>",34,[21],[],[],"6ae1ac473b462735d02bd86f",[],"2026-10-28T07:34:34.000Z",{"views":129,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":129},68,[],{"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":146},"6ae1ac473b462735d02bd87d","28th Presidential Export Awards 2026 to be held on December 8","28th-presidential-export-awards-2026-to-be-held-on-december-8","The 28th Presidential Export Awards 2026, organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), will be held on December 8 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), under the patr...","\u003Cp>The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) will hold the 28th Presidential Export Awards 2026 on December 8 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ceremony will recognise Sri Lanka’s outstanding exporters for the 2025\u002F2026 financial year. A total of 117 awards are to be presented, comprising 15 overall awards and 102 product and service sectoral awards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The selection process considers export performance, market diversification, employment generation, growth in export earnings, environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility and value addition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Approximately 1,500 guests, including government officials, diplomats and exporters, are expected to attend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Presidential Export Awards programme was launched by the EDB in 1981.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bank of Ceylon is the Platinum Partner and Commercial Bank is the Gold Partner. The Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation are the Silver Partners.\u003C\u002Fp>",40,[21],[],[],"6ae1ac473b462735d02bd879",[],"2026-10-28T07:30:29.000Z",{"views":145,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":145},60,[],{"id":148,"lang":12,"title":149,"subtitle":14,"slug":150,"excerpt":151,"html":152,"readingTimeSec":153,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":154,"tagIds":155,"authorIds":156,"coverMediaId":157,"galleryMediaIds":158,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":159,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":160,"relatedArticleIds":162},"6ae19dbf3b462735d02bb682","Sri Lanka and Türkiye sign MoU on agricultural cooperation","sri-lanka-and-turkiye-sign-mou-on-agricultural-cooperation","Sri Lanka and Türkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation to strengthen collaboration in agricultural development, technology and research. The agreement was signed durin...","\u003Cp>Sri Lanka and Türkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation to strengthen collaboration in agricultural development, technology and research.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The agreement was signed in Ankara yesterday (27) during a bilateral meeting between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra and Dr. Ahmet Bağcı, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talks covered agricultural development, modern farming technologies, research and innovation, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and opportunities to strengthen ties between the agricultural institutions of the two countries. Both sides also highlighted the importance of improving agricultural productivity, supporting farmers, promoting sustainable farming practices and strengthening food security.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The MoU provides a framework for closer cooperation between Sri Lanka and Türkiye, with an emphasis on translating bilateral engagement into practical initiatives that benefit the agricultural sectors of both countries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister Hemachandra expressed his appreciation to Dr. Bağcı for his hospitality, constructive engagement and commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Türkiye.\u003C\u002Fp>",45,[21],[],[],"6ae19dbf3b462735d02bb67e",[],"2026-10-28T06:35:12.000Z",{"views":161,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":161},66,[],{"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},"6ae19ddb3b462735d02bb68c","Joint national programme planned to mark World Water Day 2027","joint-national-programme-planned-to-mark-world-water-day-2027","A joint national programme is planned to mark World Water Day 2027, coordinated by the Presidential Secretariat and the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat. A special discussion on the initiative was recently held at t...","\u003Cp>A joint national programme to mark World Water Day 2027 is planned, coordinated by the Presidential Secretariat and the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A special discussion on the initiative was held recently at the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, chaired by Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Susil Ranasinghe. The programme is to be implemented under 14 objectives, with the participation of all stakeholders in Sri Lanka’s water sector. Its primary aim is to provide a platform for collectively identifying solutions to current issues and future challenges facing the sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The objectives include promoting integrated water resources management, strengthening coordination among institutions involved in the water sector, raising public awareness of water conservation and protection, emphasising the importance of safe drinking water and sanitation, and protecting rivers, tanks, wetlands and groundwater resources. The programme will also focus on recognising the outstanding contributions of professionals, researchers and organisations working in the water sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The discussion considered holding the main commemorative event on 23 March 2027 at Waters Edge Hotel in Colombo. A World Water Day celebration week is also scheduled to be declared alongside the event. As part of the celebrations, a national exhibition highlighting innovation, technology, sustainable practices and the institutional role of the water sector is also planned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several priority areas will be in focus, including water quality, health and safety, water management and technology, innovation and economic development, wastewater management, water reuse, heritage and food security. Plans are also in place to establish national-level committees and subcommittees covering these areas, with the aim of identifying existing issues in the water sector and finding solutions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During World Water Day celebration week, each institution is expected to conduct programmes covering various aspects of its respective area of responsibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The discussion was attended by Additional Secretary to the President (Clean Sri Lanka) S. P. C. Sugeeshwara, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Nadeeka Wickramasinghe, Director General of the Ministry of Water Supply S. L. H. Gamage, Director of the Department of National Planning Disna Ranasinghe and other officials.\u003C\u002Fp>",93,[21],[],[],"6ae19ddb3b462735d02bb688",[],"2026-10-28T06:25:29.000Z",{"views":177,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":177},54,[]]