Author: Buzzer Editorial

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has urged citizens to apply for passports only if absolutely necessary and advised those who can wait to delay their applications until October when new e-passports, meeting international standards, will be available.Addressing the media, Minister Alles emphasized that the introduction of the new e-passport, which complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, will significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s position in the Global Passport Index.The new e-passport, equipped with advanced security features, is set to be issued by the end of October and is expected to boost Sri Lanka’s passport ranking from its current 193rd position…

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has resigned from his positions as Chairman of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Kelaniya Electorate Organizer.In a letter addressed to SJB Leader and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Fonseka notified him of his decision. This was confirmed by SJB General Secretary, MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara.Madduma Bandara also announced that the party is taking steps to nominate suitable candidates for the parliamentary seats vacated following the court decision regarding Manusha Nanayakkara and Harin Fernando.He indicated that Bandula Lal Bandarigoda, who is next in line on the Galle district preferential vote list, will be appointed to fill the…

The Supreme Court, in two landmark judgments today, determined that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) decision to expel Ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara from the party is legally valid. As a result of this Supreme Court judgment, the expulsion of Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara will lead to the loss of their parliamentary seats and Ministerial portfolios.The Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Vijith Malalgoda, Achala Wengappuli and Arjuna Obeyesekere held that the decision made by the SJB to expel the two petitioners from the party is valid in law.Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkkara…

Yahoo News – A renowned British zoologist has been sentenced to 10 years and five months in prison in Australia after admitting to a series of shocking crimes involving the sexual abuse and torture of dozens of dogs.Adam Britton, 53, a prominent crocodile expert who has worked on productions for the BBC and National Geographic, pleaded guilty to 56 charges related to bestiality and animal cruelty. He also admitted to four counts of accessing child abuse material.The Northern Territory Supreme Court heard that Britton filmed himself torturing the animals, most of which died as a result, and shared the videos online…

Department of Immigration and Emigration at the airport is facing a critical situation with visa checks for arriving passengers, mainly due to the lack of an active Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.A senior official from the department told the Daily Mirror that officials in the arrival lounge are struggling to verify passengers’ online visas previously submitted before suspension of online visa processing.Some passengers reported dif­ficulties with visa verification when boarding their flights.As a result, the department has decided to issue only on-arrival visas. Online visa checks upon passenger arrival have not returned to normal. However, on-arrival visas are not available for…

The Sri Lankan Rupee has appreciated slightly against the US Dollar today compared to Wednesday, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.Accordingly, the buying rate of the US Dollar has reduced from Rs. 297.50 to Rs. 297.01, while the selling rate has also dropped from Rs. 306.76 to Rs. 306.28. The Rupee has also appreciated against a basket of foreign currencies, including Gulf currencies.

Three upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been cancelled following a possible security threat.The shows, part of Swift’s Eras tour, had been due to take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium.On Wednesday, two people were arrested on suspicion of planning attacks inspired by the Islamic State group on large events in the Austrian capital.A statement from the organisers said: “Due to confirmation by government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for everyone’s safety.”

A routine police check escalated into a fatal confrontation on the Kotugoda – Seeduwa Main Road. A police officer’s duty firearm was discharged during a scuffle with individuals in a vehicle, leading to the death of a civilian.The incident occurred near the temporary police checkpoint at Kotugoda Maskade junction, where officers were inspecting vehicles. As they approached a car traveling from Seeduwa towards Kotugoda, the situation rapidly deteriorated. The occupants of the car reportedly attemped to seize control of the officer’s firearm, which subsequently went off.News 1st correspondent reports that one of the car’s passengers sustained critical injuries from the gunshot and…

magnitude 7.1 earthquake registering a lower 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale struck southern Kyushu on Thursday afternoon, triggering a tsunami advisory for Kyushu’s east and southern coast and the southern coast of Shikoku, the Meteorological Agency said.

Some Sri Lanka players currently in England for a three-Test series have raised concerns over security following widespread anti-immigrant riots in the country.Sri Lanka are scheduled to play a three-Test series in England starting on August 21 in Manchester. While the entire contingent has not made its way over to the UK, a few players and support staff have.According to an ESPNCricinfo report, those that have reached the UK have expressed concerns over their security amid nationwide anti-immigrant protests and riots.The report states that nine people – seven players and two support staff are currently in the UK, and have…