Author: Buzzer Editorial

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to meet on February 28, 2025 to discuss and approve third review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.The IMF staff and the Sri Lankan authorities reached a staff-level agreement on the Third Review of Sri Lanka’s EFF program on November 23, 2024. Once approved by the IMF’s Executive Board, Sri Lanka will have access to around USD 333 million in financing.The IMF had previously stated that the release of the fourth tranche of Sri Lanka’s EFF programme is pending its Executive Board’s approval and that the approval…

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) indicates that the Air Quality Index (AQI) within next few days will be slightly unhealthy levels at most of the cities in the country.Issuing its latest report on Sri Lanka’s Air Quality Index (AQI), the NBRO said that during yesterday, AQI was at moderate levels in all the cities in the country.However, the NBRO forecasted that AQI levels will be between 44 – 90 over the course of today (18), indicating moderate levels in all the cities in the country. Comparatively, the AQI within next few days will be slightly unhealthy at most of the…

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo has become the first person to break the 57-minute barrier for the half-marathon, clocking a stunning new world record time of 56 minutes, 42 seconds in Barcelona.The 24-year-old set the record at the World Athletics Gold Label road race on Sunday.Kiplimo is a two-time world cross-country champion who held the half-marathon record from 2021 to 2024. He reclaimed it by slashing 48 seconds off the previous record of 57:30, set by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia in October.It is the greatest single improvement on the men’s world half-marathon record.Racing in ideal weather conditions of 13 degrees Celsius…

The ongoing dry weather conditions have led to disruptions in continuous water supply in several regions of Sri Lanka. The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced that some areas may experience water supply interruptions during morning and evening hours. Additionally, other regions may receive water at reduced pressure.The NWSDB attributes these disruptions to increased water consumption due to the dry weather. The National Water Supply and Drainage Board has urged the public to use water sparingly and responsibly during this period. Despite the current challenges, the NWSDB has not yet decided to implement planned water cuts. However, they advise the…

Ongoing talks between the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) regarding a potential unification for the upcoming elections have been disrupted due to internal crises within the SJB.Despite several rounds of discussions, the talks have reportedly now stalled. However, the UNP has stated that it has not withdrawn from the negotiations.Meanwhile, the National Organizer of the SJB, Tissa Attanayake recently announced his withdrawal from the talks, citing internal issues within his party as the reason for his decision.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva states that given the current situation, importing vehicles poses a significant risk to Sri Lanka’s economy.The MP made this statement during the second reading debate on the 2025 Appropriation Bill in the Parliament today (18).The MP further commented: “I had another big dream of buying a Japanese bike. Someone said a Vitz could be bought for Rs. 1.4 million. I looked up and saw that the Toyota Raize is Rs. 12 million, the Yaris is Rs. 18.5 million, and the Prius is Rs. 28.9 million. A big problem has been created…

The Election Commission convened this morning (18) to discuss the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, which was passed in Parliament yesterday (17).However, the Commission has not received the official Gazette notification regarding the passing of the bill as of yet.The relevant Gazette notification is expected to be issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.Once the Election Commission receives the gazette notification, it will determine the date for the Local Government Elections.Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Parliament announced to the House today that he endorsed the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Act that was passed…

Sri Lanka Police has announced that all officers seeking reinstatement after being inactive for any reason including suspension, must undergo mandatory drug testing before resuming active duty.The directive, issued by the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), requires senior officers and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) across the island to ensure that such personnel undergo drug screening at the Police Hospital.According to a statement issued by the Police Media Division, any officer whose medical report indicates drug use will be permanently barred from reinstatement and will not be allowed to rejoin active duty.

With the Rs. 10 price reduction on a kilogram of wheat flour, the bakery owners have agreed on a price reduction of Rs. 10 per loaf of bread, according to the Ministry of Trade.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha says that although the government’s intention was to provide tax concessions on essential goods, multiple limitations arose when presenting the 2025 Budget.Speaking during TV Derana’s current affairs program “360°”, the Deputy Minister emphasized that not everything can be achieved in a single budget.“We fully acknowledge that everything cannot be done in one budget. In our policy statement, we did not promise anything specific for the first budget. The first budget serves only one specific role in our broader journey. Policies are extensive, but actions must follow timelines. A vision does not necessarily…