Author: Buzzer Editorial

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) states that it has implemented immediate and long-term measures to strengthen grid stability following the nationwide power failure on February 9, 2025.Issuing a statement clarifying the cause of the power failure and future actions to be taken as long-term grid stability solutions, the CEB acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the public during the nationwide power failure that occurred on February 9, 2025, at 11.13 a.m. and assured the public that immediate and long-term corrective actions are underway to prevent future occurrences.Cause of the Power FailureA system-wide failure was triggered by a disturbance at the 33kV…

Pope Francis is being treated for a “complex clinical situation” and will remain in hospital for as long as necessary, the Vatican has said.The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday to undergo treatment and tests for bronchitis.On Monday, the Vatican said the pontiff has a “polymicrobial infection” of his respiratory tract, which has required a change in his treatment.A later update added that the Pope was “proceeding with the prescribed treatment” in a stable condition and did not have a fever. He also undertook some work and reading while in hospital on Monday.“Pope Francis is touched by…

Singapore’s opposition leader has been convicted of lying to parliament while helping a fellow party member to cover up a false witness account, in a case that could disqualify him from running in upcoming national elections.Pritam Singh, 48, secretary-general of the Workers’ Party, was found guilty on Monday on two counts of lying to a parliamentary committee that was investigating a fellow MP.The conviction is a blow to the south-east Asian nation’s struggling political opposition, which is seeking to challenge the overwhelming dominance of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) in elections expected within months.The PAP has ruled the wealthy city-state since…

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, presented his maiden full budget aimed at developing the country in a way that enables it to repay debt when repayment commences in 2028 today (17).According to the Head of State, the budget deficit for the fiscal year 2025 is estimated at Rs. 2,200 billion, which is 6.7 as a percentage from the GDP.The total expenditure for next year will be Rs. 7,190 billion, which is 21.8% of the country’s GDP and the total revenue and grants will be Rs. 4,990 billion (15.09%).In…

Serendib Flour Mills, together with Prima, the leading flour manufacturers in Sri Lanka, have collaborated with the Ministry of Trade to support the government’s cost of living reduction initiatives.Accordingly, both companies have agreed to reduce bread flour prices by Rs. 10 per kilogram effective tomorrow (February 18), specifically targeting the bakery industry to enable reductions in bread and bakery product prices.“During 2024, we implemented an initial reduction of Rs. 10 per kilogram in bread flour prices. While the earlier reduction did not translate to lower bread prices, both institutions have now stepped forward with an additional Rs. 10 per kilogram…

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake outlined a series of cost-cutting measures aimed at managing public expenditure as part of the 2025 budget proposals. Delivering 2025 Budget Speech in Parliament, the President emphasized the government’s commitment to financial discipline, particularly in reducing unnecessary spending by public representatives. Among the key reforms, the President assured a comprehensive review of allowances and benefits provided to the Members of Parliament. As part of this effort, the insurance coverage for public representatives, previously set at Rs. 1 million, will be reduced to Rs. 250,000. To further reinforce fiscal responsibility, the Cabinet has been limited to 21 ministers, setting an…

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake commenced delivering the 2025 Budget Speech in the parliament, a short while ago.The Cabinet of Ministers had granted approval for the Budget 2025 to be presented to the Parliament during the Cabinet meeting held this morning (17).This article is being updated. Please refresh the page for the latest updates…

The Assistant Engineers of the Department of Irrigation have decided to launch trade union action by reporting sick leave today (17) and tomorrow (18).President of the association Niroshan Silva stated that this trade union action is being launched protesting the issues in the promotion system within the department.

The government has announced plans to increase the number of locomotive engines in operation daily to minimize train delays and cancellations.Following a visit to Ella, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena stated that this initiative aims to enhance the quality of railway services.“Before electric trains are introduced, Sri Lanka’s train cancellations must stop. There are about 217 to 220 trains running daily. In the past, about 17 to 20 of them were cancelled. We need to stop the cancellations as much as possible. We need to do everything we can to keep the train engines running,” he…

New Delhi and several parts of northern India were shaken by strong earthquake tremors early Monday morning. The strong tremors caused residents of high-rise buildings in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad to rush out of their homes.The tremor occurred at 5:36 am, with its epicentre located near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan at a depth of five kilometres, officials confirmed. There were no immediate reports of any damage or injuries.The area experiences minor seismic activity every two to three years, with a previous 3.3 magnitude earthquake recorded in 2015. Officials noted that a loud sound…