[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-sri-lanka-and-romania-hold-sixth-round-of-political-consultations-in-bucharest":9,"cover-media-sri-lanka-and-romania-hold-sixth-round-of-political-consultations-in-bucharest":34,"comments-sri-lanka-and-romania-hold-sixth-round-of-political-consultations-in-bucharest":46,"related-sri-lanka-and-romania-hold-sixth-round-of-political-consultations-in-bucharest":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},"6adadccd3b462735d01f18dd","en","Sri Lanka and Romania hold sixth round of political consultations in Bucharest",null,"sri-lanka-and-romania-hold-sixth-round-of-political-consultations-in-bucharest","Sri Lanka and Romania held the Sixth Round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Bucharest, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, foreign employment,...","\u003Cp>Sri Lanka and Romania held the Sixth Round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Bucharest, concentrating on stronger cooperation in trade, investment, foreign employment, tourism, education and people-to-people relations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The consultations were co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, who led the Sri Lankan delegation, and H.E. Ms. Ana-Cristina Tinca, State Secretary for Strategic and Global Affairs of Romania.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Particular emphasis was placed on the welfare and protection of approximately 26,000 Sri Lankans living and working in Romania. Both sides explored opportunities to establish Government-to-Government recruitment arrangements, enhance social security and pension protection, facilitate the recognition of professional qualifications, and address challenges relating to Sri Lankan driving licences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two delegations also discussed expanding trade and investment opportunities, strengthening maritime connectivity between Colombo and Constanța, and fostering closer economic partnerships. Regional and global developments were reviewed as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sri Lanka and Romania are preparing to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of translating their longstanding friendship into tangible outcomes for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sri Lankan delegation also included H.E. Samantha Pathirana, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Romania; Ms. Dilani Weerakoon, Director General of the Europe and North America Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism; and Ms. Prarthana Kaushalya, Counsellor at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Bucharest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The consultations marked an important step towards deepening bilateral relations and advancing practical cooperation in areas of shared interest.\u003C\u002Fp>",69,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[21],[],[],"6adadccd3b462735d01f18d9",[],"2026-10-23T03:27:37.000Z",false,"public",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},22,0,[],{"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\u002F945ec286-b329-4119-899f-083ba914f058\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\u002F945ec286-b329-4119-899f-083ba914f058\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":47,"meta":48},[],{"total":32,"page":49,"limit":50,"hasMore":28},1,30,{"data":52},[53,69,86,102,118,134,149,165],{"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},"6adaf8d23b462735d01f7d49","Sri Lanka and the Netherlands mark 75 years of diplomatic relations","sri-lanka-and-the-netherlands-mark-75-years-of-diplomatic-relations","Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. Addressing the Netherlands’ Natio...","\u003Cp>Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation as they mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando addressed the Netherlands' National Day Reception in Colombo on 22 October 2026, highlighting opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, maritime affairs, cultural heritage, tourism and sustainable development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two countries established formal diplomatic relations in 1951, building on historical ties spanning more than four centuries. Dr. Fernando highlighted the importance of political dialogue, maritime cooperation and cultural exchanges, while appreciating the Netherlands' longstanding support for Sri Lanka's development. He recalled the return of six Sri Lankan artefacts from the Rijksmuseum in December 2023 and noted that Sri Lanka has requested the return of a further six artefacts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the two countries commemorate this milestone, Sri Lanka looks forward to further strengthening their longstanding friendship and exploring new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.\u003C\u002Fp>",41,[21],[],[],"6adaf8d23b462735d01f7d45",[],"2026-10-23T05:51:43.000Z",{"views":67,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":67},14,[],{"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":85},"6adaf8d23b462735d01f7d53","Deputy minister invites global investors to partner in Sri Lanka’s growth","deputy-minister-invites-global-investors-to-partner-in-sri-lankas-growth","Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a regional hub for trade, industry, technology and investment as the country moves from economic stabilisation towards sustainable growth, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entr...","\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe invited international investors to go beyond supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and become partners in its next phase of growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He made the remarks while taking part in a discussion titled “Sri Lanka’s Economic Reset: Recovery, Resilience and the Road Ahead” at the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi, India.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abeysinghe stated that Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a regional hub for trade, industry, technology and investment as the country moves from economic stabilisation towards sustainable growth. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s potential to become a regional centre for trade, research and development, technology and skilled talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He outlined plans to establish 18 new industrial zones, including 11 under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and seven under the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. The zones are expected to expand industrial capacity and create new opportunities for both local and international businesses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Deputy Minister also encouraged foreign companies to explore partnerships with established Sri Lankan enterprises through investment, technology transfer and improved access to international markets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emphasising the potential to strengthen economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and India, he identified manufacturing, agricultural value addition, logistics, renewable energy, marine industries and technology as key sectors offering mutually beneficial partnership opportunities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He highlighted ongoing efforts to simplify investment procedures, digitise public services and improve regulatory clarity to create a more investor-friendly business environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abeysinghe stressed that sustained economic reforms, stronger governance, digital transformation and industrial development are essential to ensuring Sri Lanka’s long-term economic resilience and competitiveness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the international business community, he invited global investors not merely to support Sri Lanka’s recovery but to become active partners in the country’s future growth and development.\u003C\u002Fp>",78,[21],[],[],"6adaf8d23b462735d01f7d4f",[],"2026-10-23T05:45:02.000Z",{"views":83,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":84},18,17,[],{"id":87,"lang":12,"title":88,"subtitle":14,"slug":89,"excerpt":90,"html":91,"readingTimeSec":92,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":93,"tagIds":94,"authorIds":95,"coverMediaId":96,"galleryMediaIds":97,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":98,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":99,"relatedArticleIds":101},"6adadcdd3b462735d01f18e5","Low-pressure system moving west of Sri Lanka as showers expected","low-pressure-system-moving-west-of-sri-lanka-as-showers-expected","The low-pressure in the vicinity of Sri Lanka is moving westward away from island. However, the influence of this system may persist today.  Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuw...","\u003Cp>A low-pressure system in the vicinity of Sri Lanka is moving westward away from the island. The influence of this system may persist today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura and Galle districts. Showers or thundershowers will occur after 1.00 p.m. elsewhere on the island, and fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in these areas.\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 Central and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>",31,[21],[],[],"6a985ebe55750bd6c4a636fb",[],"2026-10-23T03:20:10.000Z",{"views":100,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":100},15,[],{"id":103,"lang":12,"title":104,"subtitle":14,"slug":105,"excerpt":106,"html":107,"readingTimeSec":108,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":109,"tagIds":110,"authorIds":111,"coverMediaId":112,"galleryMediaIds":113,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":114,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":115,"relatedArticleIds":117},"6ad9c3123b462735d01d5de8","Low-pressure area near Sri Lanka expected to bring rainfall exceeding 100 mm","low-pressure-area-near-sri-lanka-expected-to-bring-rainfall-exceeding-100-mm","A low-pressure area that has developed near Sri Lanka is expected to bring heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm to several parts of the island over the next two days, the Department of Meteorology has warned. Direct...","\u003Cp>The Department of Meteorology has warned that a low-pressure area near Sri Lanka is expected to bring heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm to several parts of the island over the next two days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director of Forecasting at the Department of Meteorology, Merrill Mendis, made the announcement at a special media briefing on October 22 at the Department of Government Information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Mendis said an atmospheric disturbance had persisted near the island for several days before developing into a low-pressure area yesterday. Initially positioned towards the northwest, the system is now moving westward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said wind flows are converging towards the low-pressure area, increasing the likelihood of significant rainfall. Intermittent rainfall exceeding 100 mm could occur throughout the day in some areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considerable rainfall is expected during the next two days in the Western, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and Southern provinces, as well as the Galle and Matara districts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Mendis noted that the atmospheric disturbance over the Bay of Bengal has contributed to the formation of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, with a further increase in rainfall expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another low-pressure area is expected to develop over the Andaman Islands from October 23. Consequently, showers are forecast in the southwestern parts of Sri Lanka until October 27.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Department of Meteorology has urged the public to remain vigilant regarding the prevailing weather conditions. Fishermen engaging in activities in the deep-sea areas of the Bay of Bengal have been advised to exercise extreme caution, while the public has been urged to take necessary precautions against lightning strikes during thunderstorms.\u003C\u002Fp>",70,[21],[],[],"6ad9c3123b462735d01d5de4",[],"2026-10-22T07:23:21.000Z",{"views":116,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":116},53,[],{"id":119,"lang":12,"title":120,"subtitle":14,"slug":121,"excerpt":122,"html":123,"readingTimeSec":124,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":125,"tagIds":126,"authorIds":127,"coverMediaId":128,"galleryMediaIds":129,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":130,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":131,"relatedArticleIds":133},"6ad9c3123b462735d01d5df2","Foreign Ministry: Social media report on Indian religious leader's visit refers to February 2026 trip","foreign-ministry-social-media-report-on-indian-religious-leaders-visit-refers-to-february-2026-trip","The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that a report circulating on social media regarding the visit of Indian religious leader Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashananda Giri Ji to Sri Lanka relates to an ear...","\u003Cp>The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said a report circulating on social media about Indian religious leader Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashananda Giri Ji’s visit to Sri Lanka refers to a previous visit on February 23, 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The religious leader and his delegation travelled to Sri Lanka following an invitation from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. During the visit they toured several important religious and historical sites, including prominent Shiva temples in the country.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the main objectives of the visit was to promote Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural tourism attractions, including the Ramayana Trail, among Indian devotees and tourists. The Ministry said such visits are important in promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination in India, which is the country’s largest source market for tourist arrivals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The visit also aimed to support the government’s efforts to promote Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and further strengthen the religious and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and India.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ministry emphasised that it is incorrect to interpret the circulating report as an account of a current event. It has requested the public to verify the date and relevant background of the report before drawing conclusions.\u003C\u002Fp>",52,[21],[],[],"6ad9c3123b462735d01d5dee",[],"2026-10-22T07:20:19.000Z",{"views":132,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":132},48,[],{"id":135,"lang":12,"title":136,"subtitle":14,"slug":137,"excerpt":138,"html":139,"readingTimeSec":140,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":141,"tagIds":142,"authorIds":143,"coverMediaId":96,"galleryMediaIds":144,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":145,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":146,"relatedArticleIds":148},"6ad9988d3b462735d01d167a","Low-pressure area near Sri Lanka expected to enhance rainfall","low-pressure-area-near-sri-lanka-expected-to-enhance-rainfall","The low level atmospheric disturbance near Sri Lanka has developed into a low-pressure area. Under the influence of this system, an enhancement of rainfall is expected over the island and the deep and shallow s...","\u003Cp>A low-level atmospheric disturbance near Sri Lanka has developed into a low-pressure area. Under the influence of this system, rainfall is expected to increase over the island and the deep and shallow sea areas around it during today.\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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern, North-western and Southern provinces and in Anuradhapura district, and cloudy skies can be expected over these areas. Showers or thundershowers will occur after 1.00 p.m. elsewhere on the island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misty conditions can be expected at some places in the Central and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>",46,[21],[],[],[],"2026-10-22T04:25:15.000Z",{"views":147,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":147},60,[],{"id":150,"lang":12,"title":151,"subtitle":14,"slug":152,"excerpt":153,"html":154,"readingTimeSec":155,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":156,"tagIds":157,"authorIds":158,"coverMediaId":159,"galleryMediaIds":160,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":161,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":162,"relatedArticleIds":164},"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":163,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":163},67,[],{"id":166,"lang":12,"title":167,"subtitle":14,"slug":168,"excerpt":169,"html":170,"readingTimeSec":50,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":171,"tagIds":172,"authorIds":173,"coverMediaId":174,"galleryMediaIds":175,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":176,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":177,"relatedArticleIds":179},"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":178,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":178},62,[]]