Author: Buzzer Editorial

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to Sri Lanka in April. The visit, according to Sri Lankan sources, is still firming up and could happen around 5th April, with focus on a range of issues, including connectivity and economic ties. The invitation for this visit was extended by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his two-day trip to New Delhi in mid-December 2024. That was President Dissanayake’s first overseas visit after being elected in September 2024.During the visit, the Indian government announced the conversion of $20 million in payments for seven completed Line of Credit projects into…

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Chaminda Ranasinghe has announced that a contributory pension scheme will be introduced this year for individuals engaged in the tourism sector.Responding to a question raised by ‘Samagi Jana Balawegaya’ (SJB) MP Hesha Withanage in Parliament today (05), the Deputy Minister also revealed plans for a social welfare program aimed at supporting tourism sector workers.Additionally, he stated that the government is in the process of identifying 100 tourist attractions for future development, with Rs. 10 million to be allocated per site to enhance basic facilities.Furthermore, the government has also decided to construct Rest Centers for tourists,…

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the qualitative change required for a new society should begin within ourselves and that the government has planned to develop cooperatives suited to the modern world while strengthening the rural economy.The Prime Minister made this statement while addressing the members of the Women’s Forum held at the Sunanda Theatre, Aranayake, on March 2nd.Speaking further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said:”We have come to the right place with our long-standing efforts. Now, we must guide the country on the right path. We have started to build a nation where everyone can live happily and…

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kuthar arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit this morning (03 Mar 25). The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.INS Kuthar is a 91.1 metre long Corvette, commanded by Commander Nitin Sharma. Meanwhile, she is manned by a crew of 129.The Commanding Officer of the ship called on the Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters. During their visit to the island, the ship’s crew members are set to explore several tourist attractions in Colombo. They will also engage in training…

A foreign national was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning (05) by officers of the Customs Narcotics Control Unit for smuggling Kush cannabis estimated to be worth around Rs. 52 million.The suspect, a 34-year-old Thai national, had arrived at BIA from Bangkok, Thailand, onboard Thai Airways flight TG-307 at 1:00 a.m today (05).Upon inspection, customs officers discovered a total of 5 kilograms and 200 grams of Kush cannabis concealed inside food packets in his luggage.The suspect has been handed over to the BIA Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigation.

Steps have been taken to destroy a large stock of foreign cigarettes worth Rs. 1.2 billion that was illegally smuggled into the country last year without paying the required customs duty, Sri Lanka Customs said.The stock of foreign cigarettes was destroyed at the illegal cigarettes destruction yard located on the premises of the Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC), under the supervision of the officers of Sri Lanka Customs.The stock of cigarettes seized by Customs in 2024, 2022, and 2018 were confiscated and destroyed following customs investigations. Share

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to allocate 219.7233 hectares of land as a grant to the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) to facilitate the swift commencement of the Siyambalanduwa 100 MW Solar Power Park project.The government has set a target of meeting 70% of the country’s electricity demand through renewable energy sources by 2030, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters today. In line with this goal, the Siyambalanduwa 100 MW Solar Power Park project has been identified as a key initiative.A 219.7233-hectare plot of land, which is not under cultivation or any other use, has been…

International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Peter Breuer commended Sri Lanka’s economic recovery in the recent years, and stated that as economic opportunities return to Sri Lanka, income will be increased and poverty will be reduced making it more attractive for the people to remain in Sri Lanka, not leave or emigrate.Speaking during the Press Conference on the IMF Executive Board’s completion of the third review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, the IMF Senior Mission Chief stated that Sri Lanka’s reserves have increased significantly so far under the EFF program. “They have reached about…

A joint report evaluating Sri Lanka’s recent political and human rights developments has been submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by Sri Lanka Core Group led by the United Kingdom.The report was presented yesterday (03) during the 58th session of the UNHRC. In addition to the United Kingdom, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, and North Macedonia contributed to the submission.The report commended Sri Lanka’s peaceful elections and the smooth transition of power last year and has reviewed the actions of the incumbent government. “We recognise that the new Sri Lankan Government has only been in place for four months, and we…

Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando states that all citizens of the country, including both individuals and businesses, are required to pay taxes.Speaking in Parliament today (04), he emphasized that it is unfair to focus on the taxes imposed on individuals within the digital sector only.He further explained that the 15% tax rate for the digital service exports was introduced after careful consideration of the digital sector and stressed that it has always been applied fairly.Elaborating on the tax structure, the Deputy Minister said, “Individuals who export digital services receive a special advantage. The first Rs. 150,000…