Author: Buzzer Editorial

A chartered flight repatriating the first batch of Chinese nationals totaling 200 suspected of being involved in fraud crimes from Myanmar landed in Nanjing, East China’s Jiangsu Province, via Thailand on Thursday afternoon. This marks a milestone and remarkable achievement in multinational law-enforcement efforts between China, Thailand and Myanmar to crack down on telecom and cyber fraud, according to China’s Ministry of Public Security.More than 800 Chinese suspects involved in fraud crimes in Thailand-Myanmar border area will be sequentially repatriated on chartered flights into Jiangsu Province within the next three days, the Global Times learned from China’s Ministry of Public…

A police officer attached to the Negombo Police Station has been arrested over his alleged links with the female suspect wanted in connection with the murder of notorious underworld figure and drug trafficker Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa,” at the Aluthkade Courts Complex yesterday. The policeman in question is said to be a Trainee Police Constable assigned to court duty under the Negombo Police Crimes Unit and has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD). He is a 25-year-old resident of Padeniya.Investigations have uncovered that the police officer had engaged in a phone conversation with Ishara Sewwandi,…

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) says that it is making significant progress toward launching the Maha Oya Pumped Storage Hydropower Project, Sri Lanka’s first-ever “Water Battery.” This groundbreaking 600 MW initiative will store excess renewable energy from solar and wind sources, ensuring grid stability and supporting Sri Lanka’s goal of generating 70% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.The project, located in Aranayake and Nawalapitiya, will feature two reservoirs connected by a 2.5 km tunnel, operating as a large-scale energy storage system, the CEB stated. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions, the project will play a crucial role…

A special discussion was held at the Parliament premises yesterday (20) to address the pressing issue of wild elephants being hit by trains, following the tragic accident that claimed the lives of six elephants near the 141st mile post between Galoya and Hingurakgoda railway stations.The meeting was chaired by Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Ratnayake and Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi, with the participation of senior officials from the Ministries of Transport, Environment, and Digital, as well as representatives from the Department of Railways, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and various environmental organizations.During the discussion, officials emphasized the need…

The Joint Council of Professions Supplementary to Medicine (JCPSM) alleges that the government has taken steps to cut the allowances of health sector employees through this year’s budget proposal.Its Secretary, Chanaka Dharmawickrama, stated that the Minister of Health will be given a week to address these issues.He also mentioned that if steps are not taken to initiate a relevant discussion, they will engage in trade union action in the future.Meanwhile, the President of the Association of Education Professionals, Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thero, stated that the expected salary increase for school teachers and principals was not included in this year’s budget.

A train delay has occurred on the Batticaloa-Colombo route after six wild elephants were knocked by a train between Gal Oya and Minneriya. Following the collision, the ‘Meenagaya’ intercity express train heading from Batticaloa to Colombo Fort derailed.Consequently, the Pulathisi train scheduled at 1:15 am from Batticaloa to Colombo Fort has been canceled.The Railway Operation and Control Center has stated that work is in progress to restore the derailed train to the tracks.

Former captain Dasun Shanaka has been fined USD 10,000 by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for breaching his contractual obligations after allegedly faking an injury to leave a first-class match in Sri Lanka in order to play for the Dubai Capitals in the UAE, according to sources.Former Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka found himself in major trouble after being accused of faking concussion in a first-class match in Colombo on February 2 in a bid to travel to Dubai to participate in Dubai Capitals’ ILT20 game against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders that same evening. According to a report, SLC’s chargesheet has revealed…

A number of live ammunition rounds have been discovered in the possession of several young schoolchildren in the Hasalaka area on February 19.While playing near their homes, one of the children had come across the live ammunition. According to the police, the child then shared the bullets with friends.After receiving one of the live bullets, one of these children had thrown it into the stove at his house. When the bullet exploded, the concerned homeowners have reported the incident to the police.In response, the Army, Police, and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) arrived and inspected the house where the incident…

The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has requested public assistance to trace the suspected woman who provided the weapon to the gunman inside the Aluthkade Courts Complex for the shooting which killed the notorious organized criminal Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, alias “Ganemulla Sanjeewa”.Suspect Details:Name: Pinpura Devage Ishara SewwandiAge: 25 yearsNIC Number: 995892480VAddress: 243/01, Negombo Road, Jaya Mawatha, KatuwellegamaPolice have released photographs of the suspect to the media to facilitate her arrest. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact the following numbers:Contact Numbers:Director, Colombo Crimes Division – 071-8591727Police Inspector, Colombo Crimes Division – 071-8591735Additionally, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP)…

The Sri Lankan government’s budget highlights the authorities’ commitment to raising fiscal revenues as a share of GDP – an approach that, if successful, would alleviate a long-standing weakness in the sovereign’s credit profile, says Fitch Ratings.Nonetheless, risks to the fiscal outlook remain significant, and plans to slow the pace of fiscal consolidation could weigh on prospects for debt reduction over the medium term.The budget, unveiled on 17 February, is the first since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was elected in September 2024, and provides greater clarity over the administration’s medium-term fiscal and economic reform…