Author: Buzzer Editorial

A red warning for heavy rainfall in several areas of the country has been issued by the Department of Meteorology.The Met. Department noted that the low-pressure area located to the northeast of Sri Lanka still persists. According to the latest weather analysis issued this morning, this system is expected to move away from Sri Lanka within the next 36 hours.Accordingly, very heavy showers of around 150 mm are likely in some areas of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces. Heavy showers exceeding 100 mm are also likely in parts of the Southern Province, including the Galle and Matara districts.Meanwhile, the public has…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reiterated its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka as the country continues its efforts to maintain economic stability and recovery.Speaking at a press briefing today (14), IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack said Sri Lanka has recently faced “two very large shocks” that have placed pressure on its economy.She identified the first as Cyclone Ditwah, describing it as a major natural disaster that significantly impacted economic activity. The second, she noted, is the ongoing impact of the war in the Middle East, which continues to affect global economic conditions, including Sri Lanka.Despite these challenges, Kozack praised…

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reports that 88 houses across the island have sustained partial damage due to prevailing adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka.According to the Centre, the affected houses have been reported from seven districts. The highest number of partially damaged houses has been recorded in the Kalutara District, where 40 houses have been affected. This is followed by 25 houses in the Batticaloa District, nine in the Ratnapura District, five in the Galle District, five in the Colombo District, and four in the Monaragala District.Meanwhile, the DMC further states that 104 individuals belonging to 29 families are currently being…

The highest rainfall recorded during the 24-hour period ending at 5.00 a.m. today (15) was observed in the Avissawella area, amid adverse weather conditions affecting the island.The Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management), Engineer L. S. Sooriyabandara, stated that 180 mm of rainfall was recorded in Avissawella. In addition, 158 mm was recorded in Hanwella and 122 mm in Dehiowita.Although the water level of the Kelani River has been rising since last night, it has not yet reached the warning level. Meanwhile, the Dunamale gauging station of the Attanagalu Oya and surrounding areas recorded 176 mm of rainfall.Furthermore, the…

The Department of Irrigation reports that 21 major reservoirs and more than 19 medium-scale reservoirs under its management are currently spilling.Director of Irrigation (Water Management), Engineer H. M. P. S. D. Herath, stated that this situation was recorded as of 6.00 a.m. today (15).Among the major reservoirs currently spilling are Rajanganaya, Nachchaduwa, and Yan Oya in the Anuradhapura District; Ambewela in the Badulla District; and Lunugamvehera, Tissa Wewa, Weerawila Yoda Wewa, and Weheragala in the Hambantota District.In addition, reservoirs including Ambakola Wewa, Usgala Siyambalangamuwa, Mediyawa, Magalla, and Deduru Oya in the Kurunegala District; Nalanda and Wemedilla in the Kandy District;…

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today heard that the CCTV security system installed at the residence of former Sri Lankan cricketer Aravinda de Silva — where former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena was found dead under suspicious circumstances — had not recorded or stored any footage despite being operational.The disclosure was made by officers of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) during the second day of magisterial proceedings into Chandrasena’s death before Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara.Investigators informed court that although the CCTV camera system at the residence was functioning, forensic examination had revealed that no video data had been…

An official attached to the Department of Immigration and Emigration has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over an alleged financial fraud linked to the installation of a software system.The suspect, identified as K. Herath, served as the department’s Controller of Information Technology and Border Control. The arrest was carried out following an investigation by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department.According to investigators, a sum of over Rs. 9.8 had been paid for the installation of software identified as the “User Management Module.” However, authorities allege that the software was never installed and that…

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, who is currently on an official visit to the Republic of Belarus, held bilateral discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, Maxim Ryzhenkov, and senior Belarusian officials in Minsk.Representing Sri Lanka at the discussions were Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, Shobini Gunasekera, Director General for Europe and North America, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, and other government officials, according to a statement.Following the bilateral discussions, the Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and Belarus issued a joint statement outlining the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthen bilateral…

The term of office of the National Police Commission is scheduled to end tomorrow (15), with the commission’s final meeting scheduled to take place today (14).Despite the expiry of its official term, current members are expected to continue carrying out their duties until new appointments are made.The commission, appointed on May 15, 2023, is chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Lalith Ekanayake.Under constitutional provisions, the President appoints the Chairperson and four members of the National Police Commission based on recommendations made by the Constitutional Council.The commission is among nine independent commissions introduced through the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, which…

The Colombo High Court today (14) rejected a preliminary objection raised by the defence in a case filed against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, thereby allowing the trial to proceed.The ruling was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga, Ada Derana reporter said.Delivering the order, the judge stated that the preliminary objection raised by the defence, claiming that the conspiracy charge against the defendant could not be maintained, was without basis.Accordingly, the court rejected the objection and held that there was no impediment to proceeding with the relevant charge…