[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-sri-lanka-records-lowest-global-hunger-index-score-in-south-asia":9,"cover-media-sri-lanka-records-lowest-global-hunger-index-score-in-south-asia":34,"comments-sri-lanka-records-lowest-global-hunger-index-score-in-south-asia":46,"related-sri-lanka-records-lowest-global-hunger-index-score-in-south-asia":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},"6ae05ae83b462735d02ab44f","en","Sri Lanka records lowest Global Hunger Index score in South Asia",null,"sri-lanka-records-lowest-global-hunger-index-score-in-south-asia","Sri Lanka has recorded the lowest Global Hunger Index (GHI) score in South Asia, according to the 2026 Global Hunger Index. Sri Lanka secured 53rd place among 122 countries assessed, recording a score of 10.2. ...","\u003Cp>According to the 2026 Global Hunger Index, Sri Lanka recorded the lowest Global Hunger Index (GHI) score in South Asia. The country secured 53rd place among 122 countries assessed, with a score of 10.2.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among other South Asian countries, Nepal recorded a score of 14.5, followed by Bangladesh at 19.2, India at 24.1, Pakistan at 25.5 and Afghanistan at 28.6. Insufficient data meant scores were not available for Bhutan and the Maldives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sri Lanka’s GHI score has shown an overall decline over the years. It stood at 22.1 in 2000 and fell to 19.9 in 2006, then rose to 20.8 in 2012 before declining to 11.4 in 2018 and further to 10.2 in 2026.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Global Hunger Index assesses hunger levels in countries based on four key indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and the under-five mortality rate.\u003C\u002Fp>",38,"standard","published","6a8de2d51984b727d3b0b545",[21],[],[],"6ae05ae83b462735d02ab44b",[],"2026-10-27T07:34:44.000Z",false,"public",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},17,0,[],{"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\u002Fd943ff82-4ae1-4100-bbf7-859209cf42fb\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\u002Fd943ff82-4ae1-4100-bbf7-859209cf42fb\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":47,"meta":48},[],{"total":32,"page":49,"limit":50,"hasMore":28},1,30,{"data":52},[53,70,87,104,120,136,151,167],{"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":69},"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":67,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":68},7,6,[],{"id":71,"lang":12,"title":72,"subtitle":14,"slug":73,"excerpt":74,"html":75,"readingTimeSec":76,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":77,"tagIds":78,"authorIds":79,"coverMediaId":80,"galleryMediaIds":81,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":82,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":83,"relatedArticleIds":86},"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":84,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":85},9,8,[],{"id":88,"lang":12,"title":89,"subtitle":14,"slug":90,"excerpt":91,"html":92,"readingTimeSec":93,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":94,"tagIds":95,"authorIds":96,"coverMediaId":97,"galleryMediaIds":98,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":99,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":100,"relatedArticleIds":103},"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":101,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":102},14,13,[],{"id":105,"lang":12,"title":106,"subtitle":14,"slug":107,"excerpt":108,"html":109,"readingTimeSec":110,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":111,"tagIds":112,"authorIds":113,"coverMediaId":114,"galleryMediaIds":115,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":116,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":117,"relatedArticleIds":119},"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":118,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":101},15,[],{"id":121,"lang":12,"title":122,"subtitle":14,"slug":123,"excerpt":124,"html":125,"readingTimeSec":126,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":127,"tagIds":128,"authorIds":129,"coverMediaId":130,"galleryMediaIds":131,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":132,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":133,"relatedArticleIds":135},"6ae191043b462735d02b9ac2","President says Government aims to transform fisheries into a commercial industry","president-says-government-aims-to-transform-fisheries-into-a-commercial-industry","President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated that the Government aims to transform the fisheries sector from a subsistence-based livelihood into a commercial industry and is ready to provide the necessary faci...","\u003Cp>President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the Government aims to transform the fisheries sector from a subsistence-based livelihood into a commercial industry and is ready to provide the necessary facilities to support new investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instructed officials to prepare and submit structured plans for new programmes to develop the sector while taking part in a discussion on the 2027 Budget proposals relating to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday morning (27). He emphasised that the plans should aim both to increase fish production and improve the incomes of fishing communities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The discussion also focused on measures proposed by the Ministry of Fisheries to make fish products available to consumers at reasonable and affordable prices, with the aim of reducing the cost of living.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officials considered the current state of the fisheries industry, the operations of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, the functioning of the Peliyagoda Central Fish Market, issues arising there and the infrastructure facilities required. Particular attention was given to the need to introduce technologically advanced vessels to promote deep-sea fishing. The possibility of designing and implementing a programme to attract private-sector participation in this initiative was also discussed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President also focused on the development of sustainable coastal infrastructure and green port development projects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was revealed at the meeting that Sri Lanka's annual fish production is close to 400,000 metric tonnes, of which approximately 40% is lost through post-harvest wastage. Measures to minimise these losses were also discussed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The President reviewed the financial assistance programmes currently in place to support and promote the fisheries industry and considered the difficulties encountered in implementing fisheries loan schemes. Noting that fisheries differ from other industries, he instructed officials of the Ministry of Finance to establish specific criteria for the sector when formulating loan schemes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The promotion of aquaculture, the establishment of new centres for the sector and its current status were also discussed. The President further instructed officials to discuss and resolve land-related issues affecting freshwater fisheries with the Mahaweli Authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting was attended by Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Dr Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa and officials from the two ministries.\u003C\u002Fp>",106,[21],[],[],"6ae191043b462735d02b9abe",[],"2026-10-28T05:59:49.000Z",{"views":31,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":134},16,[],{"id":137,"lang":12,"title":138,"subtitle":14,"slug":139,"excerpt":140,"html":141,"readingTimeSec":142,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":143,"tagIds":144,"authorIds":145,"coverMediaId":146,"galleryMediaIds":147,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":148,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":149,"relatedArticleIds":150},"6ae191043b462735d02b9acc","Prime Minister stresses quality tourism jobs as SLITHM launches degree programme","prime-minister-stresses-quality-tourism-jobs-as-slithm-launches-degree-programme","Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stressed that Sri Lanka’s tourism industry must create quality employment, support local enterprises, empower young people and expand opportunities for women, ensuring ...","\u003Cp>Sri Lanka's tourism industry must create quality employment, support local enterprises, empower young people and expand opportunities for women, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach communities across the country, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spoke while taking part in the inaugural ceremony of the Bachelor of Hotel and Resort Management (Honours) Degree Programme at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) in Colombo yesterday (27). The first batch of the programme comprises 65 students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister described the launch as a historic milestone for SLITHM. She said it reflected the institution's transformation from a centre of vocational excellence into a recognised contributor to higher education and professional development in Sri Lanka.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tourism, she emphasised, extends beyond economic activity, serving as a bridge between cultures, a platform for international engagement and a source of livelihood and opportunity for thousands of Sri Lankan families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Referring to the Government's tourism sector targets for 2030, the Prime Minister noted that achieving these goals would require more than infrastructure development and investment. A highly skilled workforce, strong institutions, innovative thinking and a commitment to excellence would be essential to ensuring sustainable growth in the industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She also highlighted the importance of strengthening women's participation in tourism by creating more opportunities for them to contribute to and benefit from the sector's continued development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The introduction of the Bachelor of Hotel and Resort Management (Honours) Degree Programme marks an important step towards strengthening professional education and developing the skilled workforce needed to support the future growth of Sri Lanka's tourism and hospitality industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The event was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, the Ministry Secretary and officials, the Chairman and members of the SLITHM Board of Directors, representatives of the University Grants Commission and the higher education sector, tourism and hospitality industry representatives, academic staff, parents and students of the inaugural batch.\u003C\u002Fp>",88,[21],[],[],"6ae191043b462735d02b9ac8",[],"2026-10-28T05:55:43.000Z",{"views":134,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":118},[],{"id":152,"lang":12,"title":153,"subtitle":14,"slug":154,"excerpt":155,"html":156,"readingTimeSec":157,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":158,"tagIds":159,"authorIds":160,"coverMediaId":161,"galleryMediaIds":162,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":163,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":164,"relatedArticleIds":166},"6ae190f33b462735d02b9a99","Justice Minister inspects Moratuwa Court Complex","justice-minister-inspects-moratuwa-court-complex","Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, conducted a special inspection visit to the Moratuwa Court Complex yesterday afternoon (27) to assess its existing shortcoming...","\u003Cp>Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, made a special inspection visit to the Moratuwa Court Complex yesterday afternoon (27) to assess existing shortcomings and infrastructure requirements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the visit, the minister inquired into the facilities and requirements of the Honourable Judges, lawyers and members of the public who visit the court complex. He also held discussions with the Moratuwa District Court Judge and representatives of the Moratuwa Bar Association on providing necessary infrastructure facilities to improve the functioning of the court complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Special attention was given to the proposal to construct a new court complex in Moratuwa in discussions between the minister and members of the legal profession. President of the Moratuwa Bar Association, Attorney-at-Law Ishara Lokupathma, Secretary Attorney-at-Law Ronali Lokubalasuriya, and several other lawyers participated in the discussions.\u003C\u002Fp>",36,[21],[],[],"6ae190f33b462735d02b9a95",[],"2026-10-28T05:53:48.000Z",{"views":165,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":31},18,[],{"id":168,"lang":12,"title":169,"subtitle":14,"slug":170,"excerpt":171,"html":172,"readingTimeSec":173,"seo":14,"type":19,"status":20,"primaryCategoryId":21,"categoryIds":174,"tagIds":175,"authorIds":176,"coverMediaId":177,"galleryMediaIds":178,"videoUrl":14,"publishedAt":179,"isBreaking":28,"isFeatured":28,"isPinned":28,"allowComments":4,"visibility":29,"location":14,"stats":180,"relatedArticleIds":181},"6ae190f33b462735d02b9aa3","U.S.-supported workshop on port digitalization opens in Colombo","us-supported-workshop-on-port-digitalization-opens-in-colombo","A regional workshop on the Port Community System (PCS) and Maritime Single Window (MSW), supported by the United States Government, commenced yesterday(27) at the Courtyard by Marriott in Colombo, bringing toge...","\u003Cp>A regional workshop on the Port Community System (PCS) and Maritime Single Window (MSW), supported by the United States Government, commenced yesterday (27) at the Courtyard by Marriott in Colombo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The workshop has brought together regional maritime stakeholders to advance port digitalization in South Asia. It is being held under the theme “Building Trusted and Future-Ready Maritime Gateways: Advancing Maritime Single Window and Port Community System” and focuses on strengthening digital systems and improving efficiency across the maritime sector.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku and U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer attended as Guests of Honour. Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake and regional maritime delegations also participated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supported by the U.S. Government, the workshop aims to accelerate the digital transformation of port operations across South Asia by promoting the development and implementation of Port Community Systems and Maritime Single Window solutions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It follows the recent announcement by the United States of a USD 17 million investment to support the digitalization of operations at the Port of Colombo. The initiative is expected to contribute to modernizing port operations, enhancing coordination among maritime stakeholders and strengthening the efficiency and competitiveness of regional maritime gateways.\u003C\u002Fp>",55,[21],[],[],"6ae190f33b462735d02b9a9f",[],"2026-10-28T05:49:28.000Z",{"views":118,"uniqueViews":32,"shares":32,"comments":32,"likes":32,"trendScore":101},[]]