[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"site-shell":3,"taxonomy":4,"breaking":5,"article-sri-lanka-tourism-makes-strong-impression-at-cmt-2026-in-stuttgart":19,"cover-media-sri-lanka-tourism-makes-strong-impression-at-cmt-2026-in-stuttgart":44,"comments-sri-lanka-tourism-makes-strong-impression-at-cmt-2026-in-stuttgart":56,"related-sri-lanka-tourism-makes-strong-impression-at-cmt-2026-in-stuttgart":61},[4,4],true,{"data":6},{"articles":7,"ticker":8},[],[9,13,16],{"id":10,"text":11,"link":12},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a0","Parliament passes amended budget bill after marathon debate",null,{"id":14,"text":15,"link":12},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a1","Central Bank holds policy rate steady amid inflation concerns",{"id":17,"text":18,"link":12},"6a88f1671984b727d3b0b4a2","Sri Lanka clinches series win over Bangladesh in thrilling finish",{"data":20},{"id":21,"lang":22,"title":23,"subtitle":12,"slug":24,"excerpt":25,"html":26,"readingTimeSec":27,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":31,"tagIds":32,"authorIds":33,"coverMediaId":34,"galleryMediaIds":35,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":36,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":39,"relatedArticleIds":43},"6a985ebf55750bd6c4a6374f","en","Sri Lanka Tourism makes strong impression at CMT 2026 in Stuttgart","sri-lanka-tourism-makes-strong-impression-at-cmt-2026-in-stuttgart","Sri Lanka Tourism made a strong impression at CMT 2026, one of Europe’s largest consumer travel fairs, held in Stuttgart, Germany. The Sri Lanka stand featured representatives from the local tourism industry, o...","\u003Cp>At CMT 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany, one of Europe's largest consumer travel fairs, Sri Lanka Tourism made a strong impression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Local tourism industry representatives were present at the Sri Lanka stand, which provided a valuable platform for connecting directly with German travellers, especially those interested in long-haul destinations. Sri Lanka Tourism promoted a wide range of travel packages, customised itineraries, accommodation options and experiential offerings. Direct engagement with visitors allowed industry professionals to address queries, understand evolving consumer preferences and gain insights into demand trends in the German market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Live cultural performances were also featured, including traditional Kandyan, Low Country and Sabaragamuwa dances accompanied by rhythmic drumming and vibrant costumes. The performances showcased Sri Lanka's rich heritage and artistic diversity, creating immersive experiences that strengthened destination recall and highlighting the island as a vibrant and culturally rich tourism destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By participating in CMT 2026, Sri Lanka Tourism reinforced its strategy of engaging directly with consumers while supporting trade partnerships, effectively promoting the country as a compelling long-haul destination to a global audience.\u003C\u002Fp>",47,"standard","published","6a8de2d61984b727d3b0b549",[30],[],[],"6a985ebf55750bd6c4a6374b",[],"2026-02-02T10:49:57.000Z",false,"public",{"views":40,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":42},77,0,41,[],{"data":45},{"id":34,"url":46,"width":47,"height":48,"variants":49,"alt":12,"caption":12,"credit":12},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002F43c41130-5ab2-49c3-ae09-2e425bce674a\u002Foriginal.jpg",800,595,[50],{"key":51,"width":52,"height":53,"format":54,"url":55},"thumb",320,238,"webp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.newsradio.lk\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F09\u002F43c41130-5ab2-49c3-ae09-2e425bce674a\u002Fthumb.webp",{"data":57,"meta":58},[],{"total":41,"page":59,"limit":60,"hasMore":37},1,30,{"data":62},[63,80,97],{"id":64,"lang":22,"title":65,"subtitle":12,"slug":66,"excerpt":67,"html":68,"readingTimeSec":69,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":70,"tagIds":71,"authorIds":72,"coverMediaId":73,"galleryMediaIds":74,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":75,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":76,"relatedArticleIds":79},"6a985ebf55750bd6c4a6373b","World Sea Turtle Day Highlights Conservation of Sea Turtles and Marine Habitats","world-sea-turtle-day-highlights-conservation-of-sea-turtles-and-marine-habitats","une 16 marks World Sea Turtle Day, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of sea turtles and the protection of their marine habitats. Sea turtles have inhabited the world's oc...","\u003Cp>June 16 marks World Sea Turtle Day, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about conserving sea turtles and protecting their marine habitats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sea turtles have inhabited the world's oceans for more than 100 million years and play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. The ancient creatures face numerous threats, including plastic pollution, accidental capture in fishing gear, habitat destruction, climate change and illegal wildlife trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of the seven species of sea turtles found worldwide, several are classified as endangered or critically endangered. Countries across the globe, including Sri Lanka, have intensified conservation efforts through beach protection programs, hatchery initiatives, public awareness campaigns and stronger wildlife protection laws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Environmentalists emphasize that reducing plastic waste, protecting nesting beaches and promoting sustainable fishing practices are essential steps in ensuring the survival of sea turtle populations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The day is a reminder that safeguarding these marine animals is a shared responsibility. Communities that take action today can help preserve ocean biodiversity and ensure that future generations continue to witness sea turtles thriving in the world's seas and oceans.\u003C\u002Fp>",48,[30],[],[],"6a985ebf55750bd6c4a63737",[],"2026-06-16T05:18:40.000Z",{"views":77,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":78},103,54,[],{"id":81,"lang":22,"title":82,"subtitle":12,"slug":83,"excerpt":84,"html":85,"readingTimeSec":86,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":87,"tagIds":88,"authorIds":89,"coverMediaId":90,"galleryMediaIds":91,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":92,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":93,"relatedArticleIds":96},"6a985ebf55750bd6c4a63745","Sri Lanka foreign minister Herath makes first official visit to Australia in more than a decade","sri-lanka-foreign-minister-herath-makes-first-official-visit-to-australia-in-more-than-a-decade","Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, undertook an official visit to Australia from 1 to 3 June 2026 at the invitation of the Australian Government, marking the first visi...","\u003Cp>Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath undertook an official visit to Australia from 1 to 3 June 2026 at the invitation of the Australian Government. It was the first visit by a Sri Lankan foreign minister to Australia in more than a decade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herath held bilateral discussions with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong covering trade, security cooperation, tourism, education and sports. He also met Speaker of the Australian Parliament Milton Dick, Minister Anne Aly, Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs Tim Watts, and members of the Australia–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A key outcome of the discussions was Australia’s reaffirmation of its support for Sri Lanka’s bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), underscoring the growing economic partnership between the two countries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herath also met Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner and Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan. He addressed the Sri Lanka–Victoria Industry Roundtable hosted by Global Victoria and engaged with business leaders to explore investment and trade opportunities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The minister met members of the Sri Lankan community in Canberra, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening ties with Sri Lankans living abroad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The visit reflects the renewed commitment of both Sri Lanka and Australia to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across a broad range of sectors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Australia Yasoja Gunasekera and Director General of East Asia and Oceania Savitri Panabokke accompanied Herath during the visit. The Consul General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne joined the programmes held in Victoria.\u003C\u002Fp>",68,[30],[],[],"6a985ebf55750bd6c4a63741",[],"2026-06-05T09:12:39.000Z",{"views":94,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":95},101,55,[],{"id":98,"lang":22,"title":99,"subtitle":12,"slug":100,"excerpt":101,"html":102,"readingTimeSec":103,"seo":12,"type":28,"status":29,"primaryCategoryId":30,"categoryIds":104,"tagIds":105,"authorIds":106,"coverMediaId":107,"galleryMediaIds":108,"videoUrl":12,"publishedAt":109,"isBreaking":37,"isFeatured":37,"isPinned":37,"allowComments":4,"visibility":38,"location":12,"stats":110,"relatedArticleIds":113},"6a985ebf55750bd6c4a63759","Sri Lanka to field 61 companies at Gulfood 2026 in largest B2B pavilion","sri-lanka-to-field-61-companies-at-gulfood-2026-in-largest-b2b-pavilion","Sri Lanka is set to make a remarkable presence at Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious food and beverage exhibitions, organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB). With i...","\u003Cp>Sri Lanka is set to take part in Gulfood 2026 with a 510-square-meter country pavilion at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, the largest B2B country pavilion ever organized by Sri Lanka, and with 61 exporting companies. The presence is being organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB). With its participation, the island nation aims to showcase its rich food ingredients, premium-quality products and dynamic export potential on a truly global stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The EDB is the apex government organization responsible for developing and promoting exports, with the vision of positioning Sri Lanka as a leading export hub for premium products and services. Annually, the EDB conducts over 20 international trade fairs with the objective of assisting Sri Lankan exporters and industries in expanding their business globally. Key fairs targeting agriculture and food products include Anuga (Germany), SIAL (France), Biofach (Germany), Seafood Expo Global (Spain), Organic & Natural Expo (Dubai) and Natural & Organic Products Expo (UK), with Gulfood (Dubai) standing out as the flagship event among them. Each time, the EDB supports SME companies while also providing assistance and facilitation to large companies. At Gulfood 2026, the Sri Lanka pavilion facilitates approximately 50% SME participation, enhancing their contribution to Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and promoting sustainable economic growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious food and beverage exhibitions, is the biggest F&B sourcing and innovation show of the year and will take place across two mega venues, the Dubai Exhibition Centre and Dubai World Trade Center. The event features over 8,500 exhibitors, 1.5 million products, 12 sectors and participants from 195 countries. Gulfood serves as a strategic hub for the food and beverage industry, connecting producers, exporters and buyers, fostering innovation and facilitating trade. For Sri Lankan exporters, it provides a unique opportunity to showcase high-quality products, strengthen international business relationships and tap into high-potential markets across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, while offering unparalleled opportunities for networking and trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The expansion of Sri Lanka’s country pavilion reflects growing global recognition and demand for Sri Lankan food and beverage products.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A total of 61 Sri Lankan exporting companies will participate, representing a diverse array of sectors, including 28 large companies: Waguruwela Oil Mills, Aussee Oats Milling, NDC Exports, Consolidated Business Systems Limited, Elpitiya Plantations PLC, Ceylon Agro-Industries Limited, Sunshine Tea, Bespice, Adamexpo, Renuka Agri Foods PLC, Jaindi Exports, Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, Cargills Ceylon PLC, Wichy Plantation Company, C.W. Mackie PLC, Colombo Export & Import Agencies, Link Natural Products, Ceylon Eco Spices, Tropical Life International, New Lanka Cinnamon, Ranfer Teas, Cherish Biscuits, Metshu Exports, Expo Commodities, Global Trading Services, Pelwatte Dairy Industries, Maliban Biscuit Manufactories, and CBL Natural Foods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 33 SMEs are Siddhalepa Exporters, Bio Extracts, Muswenna Tea Factory, Greenfield Bio Plantations, D&R Exports, Saya International Tea and Food Exports, Ranre International, Virco International, Tradlanka Agricultural Enterprises, Planto Ceylon, Prestige Quality International, Rancrisp Marketing, Ellawala Horticulture, Ethical Extracts, Supreme Agro Exports, Everblot Food Products, Nelna Agri Development, Knuckles Valley Plantation, P.T.C Agro, Russel’s, Kumara Cinnamon Exporters, Scattered Harvest, Ceylon Coco Green Manufacturing, Diana Biscuits, Centra Exports, Wedagedara Producers, Lavinia Foods, Authentic Lanka Exports, Sinolan Tea, Development Facilitators, Sisili Trading, Virgin Cinnamon International, and Worldwide Commodities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Visitors can explore premium value-added coconut products, processed foods, spices, tea and innovative ready-to-eat offerings. The showcase underscores Sri Lanka’s expertise in producing high-quality, authentic and market-oriented products.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The MEASA region holds significant potential for Sri Lankan exports. In 2024, the country exported agricultural commodities worth US$ 1,381 million to the MEASA region, including food and beverage products valued at US$ 1,171.31 million. The broader Middle East and Africa food and beverage market was valued at approximately USD 133.68 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2024 to 2031.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gulfood 2026 provides Sri Lankan exporters a strategic platform to strengthen business relationships, engage with international buyers and explore new markets across the region. Through the pavilion, Sri Lanka is promoting its diverse products and highlighting its legacy of innovation and sustainable value chain practices, reinforcing the island nation’s reputation as a trusted source of premium food and beverage offerings on the global stage.\u003C\u002Fp>",191,[30],[],[],"6a985ebf55750bd6c4a63755",[],"2026-01-27T07:19:58.000Z",{"views":111,"uniqueViews":41,"shares":41,"comments":41,"likes":41,"trendScore":112},83,43,[]]