Author: Buzzer Editorial

A coach carrying a group of foreign tourists has collided with a truck transporting cement, on the Southern Expressway, killing the bus driver and causing injuries to around 19 tourists this morning (17).The accident took place near the 138-kilometre post between Beliatte and Aparekka in the lane towards Tangalle, when the bus had crashed into the back of the truck at a high speed, Ada Derana reporter said.The injured individuals have been admitted to the Tangalle Base Hospital for treatment.It was reported that around 30 Russian tourists were on the bus at the time of the accident.

The Court of Appeal has moved the Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions filed seeking an order to invalidate the agreement reached by the Government of Sri Lanka with India’s Adani Green Energy for a wind power project in Wedithalathivu, Mannar to May 23, 2025.The petition filed by Chairman of the Green Movement of Sri Lanka (GMSL) Sankha Chandima Abhayawardena was taken up before the Appeals Court judge U.M.B. Karaliyadda today (16).During the trial, the State Counsel informed the Court of Appeal that several crucial cases pertaining to this project are scheduled to be taken up before the Supreme Court in March…

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has met with the Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and engaged in bilateral discussions, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.On the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake continues his four-day state visit to China, beginning the third day (16) by participating in an investment session this morning.Meanwhile, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said relations between China and Sri Lanka faced a “historical opportunity” to foster ties, in talks with President Dissanayake on Wednesday (15).The Sri Lankan President is also slated to meet with the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the…

The flood warning issued for low-lying areas of the Malwathu Oya valley has been extended for 24 hours until 1.00 p.m. on Friday (17), the Department of Irrigation announced.Accordingly, residents in those areas and motorists traveling through those areas are requested to pay high attention to this regard. Meanwhile, the disaster management authorities are requested to take adequate precautions in this regard.On January 15, the Irrigation Department issued a flood warning for several low-lying areas of Malwathu Oya Basin, effective until 1.00 p.m. on January 16, 2024.It stated that considerable rainfall has occurred in the upstream areas of Malwathu Oya.By analyzing…

Sri Lankan underworld figure and drug kingpin Janith Madushanka, also known as “Podi Lassie”, who fled the country after being granted bail, has been arrested in Mumbai, India.Police sources said that Interpol has officially informed Sri Lankan security authorities regarding the arrest.Sri Lanka Police had uncovered that “Podi Lassie” had fled the country in violation of the bail conditions imposed on him and that he was hiding in India.Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga said that accordingly, the Acting IGP directly shared information with the Indian Police, leading to the arrest of the notorious underworld figure.Manathunga confirmed that measures are…

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake extended an invitation to Chinese investors to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the nation’s stable governance and transparent economy.He made these remarks as the keynote speaker at the “Investment Forum” held today (16), jointly organized by Chinese state and private enterprises.The forum was a significant event during President Disanayake’s third day of his four-day state visit to China, undertaken at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.Prominent Chinese corporations, including China Tianying Inc. (CNTY), China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., China Communications Construction Company Ltd., China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd.,…

A meeting took place today (16) at the Presidential Secretariat between Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, and Khaled Nasser AlAmeri, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Sri Lanka.During the discussions, Ambassador AlAmeri reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to providing continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic development. He also highlighted the importance of further strengthening the existing bilateral relations between the two nations.Ambassador Khaled Nasser AlAmeri also pointed out that, under the new political framework, there are now better investment opportunities for UAE investors in Sri Lanka. He further mentioned that, in the past, Sri Lanka…

Sri Lanka and China’s Sinopec have signed an agreement to build an oil refinery in Hambantota with an investment of USD 3.7 billion.The agreement was signed during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s current state visit to China, marking the highest foreign investment secured by the government, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) says that the review of public opinions gathered on the proposed electricity tariff revision will be concluded today (17).Accordingly, the PUCSL had called for public opinions on the matter starting from December 17, while oral sessions were held from December 27 to January 10, covering all nine provinces.The PUCSL stated that around 400 individuals had submitted proposals during those sessions.It has been revealed during the consideration of proposals submitted by the public that the electricity tariff should be reduced by around 20%.Accordingly, following a review of all the proposals, the PUCSL stated…

Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire deal, pausing the war in Gaza and designed to broker an end to the brutal 15-month conflict, the mediator Qatar has said. The agreement is set to be officially accepted by Israel after a cabinet meeting on Thursday.The announcement on Wednesday night from Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, was made after weeks of negotiations in the Qatari capital, Doha. There were intensified efforts in recent days to hammer out the final details after increased pressure on Israel to reach a deal from the US president-elect, Donald Trump, which Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged in…