Author: Buzzer Editorial

Members of the Food Policy and Security Committee have discussed the measures that should be taken and the preparedness required to mitigate any potential impacts on Sri Lanka arising from the impending global El Niño phenomenon.Discussions were held at a meeting of the Food Policy and Security Committee at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting took place under the co-chairmanship of Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Lal Kantha and Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe. During the meeting, particular attention was given to the possible effects of El Niño on the agricultural sector, according to…

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) states that two more fuel ships will arrive in the country tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.Its Managing Director, Mayuru Neththikumarage, mentioned that a vessel carrying 28,000 metric tons of diesel is scheduled to arrive in the country from Singapore on the 11th of this month.Meanwhile, a ship carrying 7,000 metric tons of Octane 95 petrol and 29,000 metric tons of Octane 92 petrol will arrive in the country tomorrow.In the meantime, a vessel that arrived carrying 32,000 metric tons of diesel and 7,200 metric tons of super diesel is currently unloading its fuel cargo…

The United National Party (UNP) has raised concerns over the treatment of former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, calling on authorities to ensure that all actions taken against him comply with the constitution and international human rights obligations.In a statement, the UNP noted that Suresh Sallay, who is currently receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital following his arrest, is entitled to the protections guaranteed under Sri Lankan law and international conventions.The UNP said the focus should be on the manner in which an arrested individual is treated rather than on the allegations…

A ‘Red’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for strong winds in sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankesanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar.The Met. Department warned that sea areas from Kankesanthurai to Kalpitiya will be very rough at times with strong gusty winds up to 60-70 kmph. Sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Kankesanthurai via Mullaitivu and Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota will be rough at times with strong gusty winds up to 50-60 kmph, the Met. Department added.Meanwhile, wave height may increase about 2.0 – 2.5 meters in the sea…

Former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena, who was found guilty on four counts of corruption charges, was sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment for each count by the Colombo High Court. Accordingly, the court ordered a total sentence of 16 years of rigorous imprisonment.The verdict was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihal, said Buzzer News reporter.

A suspect has been arrested with 3,755 cannabis-infused ‘Madana Modaka’ pills that were allegedly prepared for sale targeting schoolchildren.Officers attached to the Nuwara Eliya Police Anti-Vice Unit arrested the suspect last afternoon (08) along with a stock of 3,755 ‘Madana Modaka’ pills.The items were reportedly prepared for sale to school students at a shop located on Old Bazaar Street, Nuwara Eliya, without a valid license from the Ayurveda Department.The raid was conducted based on information that the suspect, under the guise of running an Ayurveda medicine shop without a license, had prioritized the sale of ‘Madana Modaka’ pills, and that…

The West Indies have named a 15-player squad for their upcoming three-game T20I series at home against Sri Lanka.The series is the first for the West Indies since their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign at the start of the year and the side have made a host of changes. Johnson Charles, Quentin Sampson and Jayden Seales are the trio to drop out of the squad, with Ackeem Auguste, Jewel Andrew and Shamar Springer added into the latest player group that will once again be led by skipper Shai Hope.There is also no room for pace bowler Alzarri Joseph as…

The Sri Lankan Rupee has depreciated further against the US dollar, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).According to exchange rates issued by the CBSL, today’s (09) buying rate of the US dollar was recorded at Rs. 332.38, while the selling rate was Rs. 342.08.Yesterday (08), the buying and selling rates of the US dollar were Rs. 331.22 and Rs. 341.04 respectively.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested an individual in connection with the alleged abduction and disappearance of a retired Sri Lanka Army soldier in 2018.The arrest was made following an investigation conducted by the CID’s Homicide and Organized Crime Investigation Division into a complaint received by the Inspector General of Police regarding the disappearance of the former Army soldier, who was residing in Kirindiwela, at the time of the incident on September 9, 2018.Police said the suspect was apprehended yesterday in Ranpokunagama, Nittambuwa. He has been identified as a 47-year-old resident of Ranpokunagama.During the arrest, investigators recovered a pen-shaped…

The 2026 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination will be held on August 9, the Department of Examinations has announced.According to the Department, the second question paper of the Scholarship Exam will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on August 9.Meanwhile, the first question paper is scheduled to take place from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.The Department of Examinations said further details regarding the examination will be announced in due course.