[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"article-sri-lanka-hosts-universal-health-and-preparedness-review-under-who-guidance":5,"breaking":31,"cover-media-sri-lanka-hosts-universal-health-and-preparedness-review-under-who-guidance":35,"comments-sri-lanka-hosts-universal-health-and-preparedness-review-under-who-guidance":47,"related-sri-lanka-hosts-universal-health-and-preparedness-review-under-who-guidance":52},[4,4],true,{"data":6},{"id":7,"lang":8,"title":9,"subtitle":10,"slug":11,"excerpt":12,"html":13,"readingTimeSec":14,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":18,"tagIds":19,"authorIds":20,"coverMediaId":21,"galleryMediaIds":22,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":23,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":26,"relatedArticleIds":30},"6adb31263b462735d02025ef","en","Sri Lanka hosts Universal Health and Preparedness Review under WHO guidance",null,"sri-lanka-hosts-universal-health-and-preparedness-review-under-who-guidance","The Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR), conducted under the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO), commenced yesterday (22) at Cinnamon Life, Colombo. The two-day session, held on October...","\u003Cp>A two-day Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR) under the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) commenced on October 22 at Cinnamon Life, Colombo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa took part in the inauguration of the session, held on October 22 and 23. Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Jayatissa emphasized that safeguarding lives and ensuring the continuity of healthcare services during pandemics, natural disasters and other public health emergencies are key responsibilities of the government. He stressed the importance of strengthening preparedness before emergencies occur, rather than limiting efforts to responding after a crisis has emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sri Lanka is hosting the review following a request made at the 79th World Health Assembly in 2025. Building on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the review aims to assess the country's national capacities to respond to future public health emergencies and strengthen the health system by bringing together the entire government machinery and society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Science and Technology Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Additional Secretary (Public Health) Dr. Mahendra Arnold, and WHO Representative to Sri Lanka Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav also attended. Representatives of the World Health Organization, officers of the Tri-Forces, senior health officials, representatives of government institutions and academics were also present.\u003C\u002Fp>",62,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[17],[],[],"6adb31263b462735d02025eb",[],"2026-10-23T09:05:09.000Z",false,"public",{"views":27,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":29},16,0,14,[],{"data":32},{"articles":33,"ticker":34},[],[],{"data":36},{"id":21,"url":37,"width":38,"height":39,"variants":40,"alt":10,"caption":10,"credit":10},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F10\u002Fc732ce2b-abb4-4b7a-81f5-8e69bce5196b\u002Foriginal.webp",800,595,[41],{"key":42,"width":43,"height":44,"format":45,"url":46},"thumb",320,238,"webp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F10\u002Fc732ce2b-abb4-4b7a-81f5-8e69bce5196b\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":48,"meta":49},[],{"total":28,"page":50,"limit":51,"hasMore":24},1,30,{"data":53},[54,71,88,105,120,136,153,169],{"id":55,"lang":8,"title":56,"subtitle":10,"slug":57,"excerpt":58,"html":59,"readingTimeSec":60,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":61,"tagIds":62,"authorIds":63,"coverMediaId":64,"galleryMediaIds":65,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":66,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":67,"relatedArticleIds":70},"6adb3e9d3b462735d0203eda","Sri Lanka donates essential medicines worth over Rs. 5 million to Maldives","sri-lanka-donates-essential-medicines-worth-over-rs-5-million-to-maldives","The Sri Lankan Government donated a consignment of essential medicines worth over Rs. 5 million to the Maldives on October 22 at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media. The donation was made following a request ...","\u003Cp>A consignment of essential medicines worth over Rs. 5 million was donated to the Maldives by the Sri Lankan Government on October 22 at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donation followed a request by Maldivian Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali. Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa formally handed over the medicines to Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The donation was supported by the Medical Supplies Division, the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation and the Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry of Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imad expressed his gratitude to the Sri Lankan Government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, highlighting the longstanding friendship and close ties between the two countries. Ministry officials and representatives of the pharmaceutical sector also attended the handover ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>",36,[17],[],[],"6adb3e9d3b462735d0203ed6",[],"2026-10-23T10:22:03.000Z",{"views":68,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":69},24,22,[],{"id":72,"lang":8,"title":73,"subtitle":10,"slug":74,"excerpt":75,"html":76,"readingTimeSec":77,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":78,"tagIds":79,"authorIds":80,"coverMediaId":81,"galleryMediaIds":82,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":83,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":84,"relatedArticleIds":87},"6adb3ef03b462735d0203f3c","President says government prepared to provide facilities for modern surveying service","president-says-government-prepared-to-provide-facilities-for-modern-surveying-service","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the Government is prepared to provide the necessary facilities to establish an efficient surveying service equipped with modern technology, noting that such a serv...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the Government is prepared to provide the necessary facilities to establish an efficient surveying service equipped with modern technology, noting that such a service is essential to achieving national development objectives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He made the remarks while attending the 100th Annual Conference of the Government Surveyors’ Association at the Waters Edge Hotel in Battaramulla this morning (23).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President commended the Survey Department, one of the oldest departments in Sri Lanka’s public administration, and the centenary-old Government Surveyors’ Association for their distinguished contributions to the country’s development while upholding professional dignity and service standards throughout their proud history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Government Surveyors’ Association is committed to promoting technological advancement, professional development and knowledge-sharing; recognising the contributions of previous generations of surveyors; preparing the next generation to meet future challenges; and continuing to contribute to national development through accurate and reliable surveying services.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A commemorative gift was presented to the President to mark his participation in the association’s 100th Annual Conference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the gathering further, President Dissanayake said: “We are making a tremendous effort to bring our economy to a very stable position and ensure that the benefits derived from it reach the people. We have been able to strengthen government revenue considerably. For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, revenue collection in 2025 reached 110% of the projected target. Previously, no budget had achieved its projected revenue targets, with actual collections remaining well below them. In 2026, too, we will be able to achieve a very healthy level of revenue by meeting the targets set for the main revenue-generating institutions: the Department of Inland Revenue, the Sri Lanka Customs Department and the Department of Excise. Because the Government lacked funds, it was constantly compelled to print money or borrow from the banking system. In 2022, the Treasury account stood at a deficit of approximately Rs. 700 billion. Today, however, it has a positive surplus approaching Rs. 1 trillion. This has helped us considerably resolve the rupee crisis we faced. The inability to earn the dollars the country needed was one of the causes of the crisis. In 2025, the current account balance, the difference between the dollars flowing into and out of the country, reached a significant level. Since independence, Sri Lanka has recorded a current account surplus on only about three occasions, and those surpluses were approximately US$300 million. In 2025, however, our current account surplus rose to US$1.8 billion. Nevertheless, the conflict in the Middle East has exposed us to an unexpected impact. Last year, we spent US$4 billion on oil imports, and by the end of August this year, we had already spent US$4 billion. Since US$4 billion was spent in just two-thirds of the year, the total could exceed US$6 billion by year-end. Managing the pressure on our foreign exchange reserves is therefore one of the main challenges we face. We have launched a large number of major projects using domestic Treasury funds alone, without borrowing in dollars. These include the Kurunegala–Galewela Expressway, the Rambukkana–Galagedara Expressway and the Kahathuduwa–Ingiriya Expressway. We also plan to commence next year, using Treasury funds, the estimated Rs. 600 billion project to electrify the Kelani Valley railway line. However, even when expenditure is in rupees, dollars are required to import the machinery, steel and other materials needed for expressway construction. We plan to increase capital expenditure from Rs. 1,330 billion this year to Rs. 2,000 billion (Rs. 2 trillion) next year. As higher capital expenditure increases pressure on foreign exchange, earning dollars and minimising dollar outflows must be our principal economic strategies. Although we now have sufficient rupee resources to withstand domestic shocks, our economy is not yet strong enough to withstand external shocks arising from factors such as tourism, foreign workers’ remittances and fuel prices. Our plan is to build an economy resilient to external shocks. The wealth accumulated in the Treasury must reach people at the grassroots level, improving public services and addressing land-related issues while providing agricultural, educational and healthcare facilities. This responsibility should be fulfilled by a strong state machinery rather than the political authority. Without a strong public administration, wealth cannot be channelled down to the people. Although public sector employment was highly sought after in the past, the inability to retain professionals has diminished its attractiveness. As a result, recruiting engineers, IT professionals and managers has become difficult. To address this issue, the 2025 Budget provided for an increase in the basic salaries of public sector employees, to be implemented in three phases in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Each phase will cost Rs. 110 billion. By 2027, compared with 2024, the Government will have to bear an additional salary burden of Rs. 330 billion. As no further increase in basic salaries is planned in the 2028 Budget, greater consideration can be given to allowances at that stage. Nevertheless, the current Budget has also taken care to provide essential allowances. We need a surveying service equipped with highly modern technology. If an assessment study is submitted identifying the modern technological equipment required by the surveying service, we are prepared to allocate the necessary funds in the Budget. We are also giving attention to resolving issues relating to human resource development and allowances. As the requirements today differ from those that existed 20 years ago, we will also consider conducting a study and making the necessary amendments to the service minute. Political appointments made in the past have resulted in excessive staffing at lower levels of the public service, creating a substantial financial burden. Accordingly, the Ministry of Finance has appointed a committee to consider closing or amalgamating 34 institutions deemed unnecessary or inefficient. Our aim is to build an attractive public service comprising capable and highly qualified professionals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation Aravinda Senarath, Member of Parliament Ruwan Thilaka Jayakody, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation D. P. Wickramasinghe, Surveyor General T. M. I. Thilakarathna, and members of the Government Surveyors’ Association were also present at the occasion.\u003C\u002Fp>",273,[17],[],[],"6adb3ef03b462735d0203f38",[],"2026-10-23T10:18:59.000Z",{"views":85,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":86},23,20,[],{"id":89,"lang":8,"title":90,"subtitle":10,"slug":91,"excerpt":92,"html":93,"readingTimeSec":94,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":95,"tagIds":96,"authorIds":97,"coverMediaId":98,"galleryMediaIds":99,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":100,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":101,"relatedArticleIds":104},"6adb3e9d3b462735d0203ee4","EDB, University of Kelaniya discuss language support for Sri Lanka Expo 2027","edb-university-of-kelaniya-discuss-language-support-for-sri-lanka-expo-2027","The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has held discussions with the University of Kelaniya on providing interpretation and translation services for international delegates attending Sri Lanka Expo 2027. ...","\u003Cp>The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has held discussions with the University of Kelaniya about providing interpretation and translation services for international delegates attending Sri Lanka Expo 2027.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe led an EDB delegation that met university officials to explore foreign-language support for business-to-business (B2B) discussions between international buyers and Sri Lankan exporters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The exhibition will be held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) from January 14 to 17, 2027. The first three days will focus on international buyers and investors, while the final day will be open to the public.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The discussions also covered student internships, translation services, an orientation programme and recognition for students contributing to the event.\u003C\u002Fp>",32,[17],[],[],"6adb3e9d3b462735d0203ee0",[],"2026-10-23T10:06:08.000Z",{"views":102,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":103},21,19,[],{"id":106,"lang":8,"title":107,"subtitle":10,"slug":108,"excerpt":109,"html":110,"readingTimeSec":111,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":112,"tagIds":113,"authorIds":114,"coverMediaId":115,"galleryMediaIds":116,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":117,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":118,"relatedArticleIds":119},"6adb31263b462735d02025db","36th National Youth Sports Festival to be held from October 30","36th-national-youth-sports-festival-to-be-held-from-october-30","The 36th National Youth Sports Festival will be held on October 30, 31 and November 1 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Diyagama. The opening ceremony is scheduled for October 30 at 3.00 p.m., while the closi...","\u003Cp>The 36th National Youth Sports Festival will take place on October 30, 31 and November 1 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Diyagama.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The opening ceremony is scheduled for 3.00 p.m. on October 30. The closing ceremony will be held at 4.00 p.m. on November 1 under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinindu Saman Hennayake, speaking at a media briefing on the event, said the annual festival provides a pathway for talented members of youth clubs at village level to progress to national-level competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>National Youth Services Council Chairman and Director General of Youth Affairs Attorney Supun Wijerathne said the festival offers young athletes an important opportunity to develop their skills and advance in sports.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cash prizes will be offered this year for individual and team events, outstanding athletes, and new sports records. A musical concert featuring popular artists is also planned in Homagama on the final day.\u003C\u002Fp>",43,[17],[],[],"6adb31263b462735d02025d7",[],"2026-10-23T09:54:43.000Z",{"views":69,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":103},[],{"id":121,"lang":8,"title":122,"subtitle":10,"slug":123,"excerpt":124,"html":125,"readingTimeSec":126,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":127,"tagIds":128,"authorIds":129,"coverMediaId":130,"galleryMediaIds":131,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":132,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":133,"relatedArticleIds":135},"6adb31263b462735d02025e5","Senior Professor Venerable Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera appointed Chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University","senior-professor-venerable-gallelle-sumanasiri-thera-appointed-chancellor-of-sabaragamuwa-university","Senior Professor Venerable Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera, Chief Incumbent of Molagoda Kotamudungala Raja Maha Viharaya and holder of the title of Agga Maha Pandita, has been appointed the new Chancellor of Sabaraga...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Senior Professor Venerable Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera as the new Chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake presented the letter of appointment to Venerable Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (23).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Venerable Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera is Chief Incumbent of Molagoda Kotamudungala Raja Maha Viharaya and holds the title of Agga Maha Pandita. He previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka and the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He obtained a Special Degree in Buddhist Philosophy from the University of Kelaniya as his first degree, then a Master of Philosophy degree from the University of Kelaniya. He later earned a Master of Philosophy degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Delhi in India, and an Advanced Diploma in Chinese Language from the Peking University.\u003C\u002Fp>",40,[17],[],[],"6adb31263b462735d02025e1",[],"2026-10-23T09:50:18.000Z",{"views":103,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":134},17,[],{"id":137,"lang":8,"title":138,"subtitle":10,"slug":139,"excerpt":140,"html":141,"readingTimeSec":142,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":143,"tagIds":144,"authorIds":145,"coverMediaId":146,"galleryMediaIds":147,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":148,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":149,"relatedArticleIds":152},"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,[17],[],[],"6adaf8d23b462735d01f7d45",[],"2026-10-23T05:51:43.000Z",{"views":150,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":151},29,27,[],{"id":154,"lang":8,"title":155,"subtitle":10,"slug":156,"excerpt":157,"html":158,"readingTimeSec":159,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":160,"tagIds":161,"authorIds":162,"coverMediaId":163,"galleryMediaIds":164,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":165,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":166,"relatedArticleIds":168},"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,[17],[],[],"6adaf8d23b462735d01f7d4f",[],"2026-10-23T05:45:02.000Z",{"views":51,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":167},28,[],{"id":170,"lang":8,"title":171,"subtitle":10,"slug":172,"excerpt":173,"html":174,"readingTimeSec":175,"seo":10,"type":15,"status":16,"primaryCategoryId":17,"categoryIds":176,"tagIds":177,"authorIds":178,"coverMediaId":179,"galleryMediaIds":180,"videoUrl":10,"publishedAt":181,"isBreaking":24,"isFeatured":24,"isPinned":24,"allowComments":4,"visibility":25,"location":10,"stats":182,"relatedArticleIds":184},"6adadccd3b462735d01f18dd","Sri Lanka and Romania hold sixth round of political consultations in Bucharest","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,[17],[],[],"6adadccd3b462735d01f18d9",[],"2026-10-23T03:27:37.000Z",{"views":60,"uniqueViews":28,"shares":28,"comments":28,"likes":28,"trendScore":183},35,[]]