Author: Buzzer Editorial

The number of former MPs currently receiving pension payments and the expenditure incurred for these payments were disclosed in Parliament today (7) by National People’s Power (NPP) MP Gamini Rathnayake.Providing details on pension payments since the introduction of the MPs’ pension scheme in 1976, MP Rathnayake stated that as of January 25, 2024, a total of 330 former MPs are receiving pension payments. Additionally, pension payments are also being paid to 182 spouses of deceased MPs, bringing the total number of pension recipients to over 500.He also revealed that seven dependents of former MPs are receiving financial benefits.The MP revealed the…

Three notorious wanted Sri Lankan criminals with Interpol Red Notice, including a former police Sub-Inspector (SI) accused of aiding and abetting the killing of five people in Beliatta, have been repatriated to the island from Dubai this morning (07).Accordingly, the repatriated criminal figures including Ranmuni Mahesh Hemantha Silva, wanted over the killing of five persons in Beliatta in 2024, ‘Rotumba Upali’ accused of murders in Akuressa, and Pradeep Sandaruwan, alias ‘Kollonnawe Chandana,’ according to Sri Lanka Police.The suspects, who were arrested in Dubai, were escorted to Sri Lanka by a team of officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Following…

New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake has tabled a Private Members’ Motion in Parliament today (7), seeking the abolition of the pension scheme for Members of Parliament.Addressing Parliament, MP Karunanayake stated that a certain political party had manipulated public opinion on this issue, portraying it as a betrayal of society, which in turn has damaged public trust in MPs. Therefore, he brought this motion to restore public confidence, he said.He emphasized the need to rebuild trust in elected representatives, highlighting that MPs serve to represent the will of the people and must prioritize public needs.“I am presenting this proposal…

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the family of slain journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, emphasizing the need to reassess legal procedures that hinder justice.Speaking in Parliament today (07), she acknowledged the letter sent by Ms. Ahimsa Wickrematunge, the daughter of the former Sunday Leader Editor, describing it as measured given the immense suffering the family has endured for years.“The letter that Ms. Ahimsa Wickremetunga has sent to me is also measured, given the circumstances and given what this family has had to endure for these past…I don’t know how many years…So, we’re very determined,…

The Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee has given the government a two-week deadline to clarify its position on the establishment of private medical colleges, according to the committee’s convener, Ravindu Sachintha.He further stated that within this period, the government also has the opportunity to repeal the relevant Cabinet decisions regarding the matter.Sachintha made these remarks to the media following a discussion held yesterday (06) between Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee.“In this discussion, we explained our stance as the Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee. Particularly regarding the transfer of government hospitals to private medical…

The decision by the United States to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will be advantageous for Sri Lanka, according to legal expert Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa.He emphasized that this shift presents an opportunity for Sri Lanka to challenge the previous resolution brought against the island nation at the 58th session of the UNHRC, set to commence on February 24.Dr. Mahanamahewa highlighted that the US has consistently played a leading role in accusing Sri Lanka of war crimes and advocating for mechanisms such as hybrid courts, often backed by Western nations. However, he noted that the US withdrawal…

A comprehensive discussion regarding the progress of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) took place today (06) at the Presidential Secretariat, between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the IMF delegation.The current government has already reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on the third review regarding the extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) of USD3 billion, the President’s Media Division (PMD) stated.The details of this review are expected to be presented to the International Monetary Fund’s Board of Directors by the end of this month. In this regard, discussions were held regarding…

Sri Lanka Railways has decided to suspend third-class seat reservations on several train services, converting these compartments into regular third-class carriages.According to reports, the decision affects the trains operating from Colombo Fort to Badulla at 5.55 a.m. and 8.30 a.m., as well as the Colombo Fort to Talaimannar train at 3.45 p.m.While third-class reservations will no longer be available on these trains, Sri Lanka Railways has increased the number of second-class seats available for reservation, offering passengers an alternative option for pre-booked seating.

Taking a significant step towards transforming the country into a digital society, three new digital initiatives will be introduced today (07) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.The initiatives include the launch of the ‘GovPay’ platform for the digitalization of all government payments, expanding the services of the President’s Fund from the main office in Colombo to the Divisional Secretariat level, and the introduction of the Electronic Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates (EBMD) facility, allowing Sri Lankans abroad to obtain certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates through electronic means at Sri Lankan diplomatic…

The government today dislosed a list of 43 MPs who obtained compensation claiming destruction was caused to their homes in 2022 during the Aragalaya Period.Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa noted that some regional and district secretaries had been pressured to overestimate the extent of the damages.Additionally, he clarified that the maximum compensation for total damage from a disaster is Rs. 2.5 million.In total, 43 MPs received Rs. 1.22 billion in total as compensation for properties destroyed by arson during the Aragalaya period.