Author: Buzzer Editorial

Terror group Hamas has released eight hostages in Gaza and Israel has freed 110 Palestinian prisoners in the latest handover as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.The handover marked the third round of exchanges in the deal between Israel and Hamas, which is now in its second week, but was delayed earlier by chaotic scenes in the enclave.The sight of armed fighters escorting Israeli hostages through a crowd of thousands of onlookers caused Israeli leaders to briefly delay the release of the Palestinian prisoners, underscoring the fragility of the current truce.The eight captives released by Hamas and Islamic Jihad were…

Hayleys Fentons Limited has announced a landmark achievement in its sustainability journeywith the successful calculation and third-party verification of its Greenhouse Gas (GHG)emissions statement, certified by the Sri Lanka Climate Fund.The certification was formally presented by Mr B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Chairman ofthe Sri Lanka Climate Fund, alongside the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment.The GHG emissions assessment adhered to globally recognised standards, encompassingemissions across all relevant operations. By systematically tracking, measuring, andreporting GHG emissions, Hayleys Fentons Limited is well-positioned to comply withregulatory requirements, mitigate climate-related risks, and boost investor confidence.Embedding ESG principles into operations will support value chains across Hayleys…

Mercantile Investments is proud to announce the launch of its 70th and 71st branches in Nelliadyand Manipay, further solidifying its commitment to serving the Northern region of Sri Lanka.This strategic expansion aims to bring accessible, reliable financial services closer to localcommunities, benefiting residents in Nelliady, Manipay and surrounding areas. The grand branchopenings were graced by Mercantile Investments’ Chief Operating Officer (COO), LaksandaGunawardena, alongside senior management from the company’s head office, local dignitariesand regional customs officials. The two new branches are now fully operational, offering anarray of financial solutions to support the diverse needs of the region’s residents. MercantileInvestments’ ongoing expansion…

The College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL) states that the use of social media has contributed to an increase in child suicides.Its chairperson, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, said that over 200 cases of child suicide were reported in 2024.“Child suicides… In 2022, 133 children under the age of 18 committed suicide. According to unofficial data, last year there were 270. There are various reasons for these incidents. One step that can be taken is to ban social media in some way. We have gathered information on what can be done as a country, and we hope…

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has announced that the final test report on the water samples collected in connection with the recent deaths of animals in Beira Lake will be released today (31).The Head of its Environmental Studies Division, Dr. Shyamali Weerasekara, stated that a significant increase in ammonia concentration has been detected in the water.“The water is currently at a contaminated level. However, the final report on this matter will be released today,” she said.Meanwhile, the Chief Veterinary Officer of the Colombo Municipal Council, Mohamed Ijas, confirmed that testing has begun on samples collected from…

The Chairman of the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA), N.B.M. Ranatunga has resigned from his position.His office confirmed that the resignation letter has been submitted to the Minister in charge of the subject.He was appointed to the position on October 10, 2024Accordingly, he served in this position for only three months and has reportedly written a lengthy letter explaining the reasons for his resignation.Meanwhile, Ramal Siriwardena had resigned as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) on January 29.In addition, on December 24, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), Dr. Senesh Bandara, had also resigned…

A special political discussion was held this afternoon (30) under the patronage of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe at a private hotel in Colombo.According to participating political party representatives, the meeting was convened at the request of Mr. Wickremesinghe. Representatives of parties that supported him in the last presidential election were present at the discussion.Notably, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs Mano Ganesan and Palani Thigambaram also participated in the discussion.Other prominent figures in attendance included former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Udaya Gammanpila, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Duminda Dissanayake, Kanchana Wijesekera, Sagala Ratnayaka, and Wajira Abeywardana.

Three persons have been killed in a shooting incident in the Panangala area in Hiniduma, Galle.Police said the shooting was carried out using a T-56 assault rifle by two assailants who arrived on a motorcycle.The victims had reportedly died on the spot.Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof has filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) against the allegations leveled against him regarding the containers released from the Colombo Port without inspections.Making a special statement today (30) in this regard, the Governor said that he could no longer remain silent and bear the damage being done to his reputation. The Western Governor further commented saying, “In the past few days, baseless and false allegations have been continuously made against me. This has been happening continuously. I could not bear it anymore and went to the CID today and filed a complaint regarding…

In a move aimed at providing relief to the public, Lanka Sathosa has announced a reduction in the prices of several essential consumer goods.Following instructions from the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, Lanka Sathosa has made the following price reductions, effective from today (30), at all Lanka Sathosa outlets across the island:Imported Big Onions: Reduced by Rs. 10 (New price Rs. 220)Bread Flour: Reduced by Rs. 10 (New price Rs. 165)White Sugar: Reduced by Rs. 05 (New price Rs. 235)Red Lentils: Reduced by Rs. 03 (New price Rs. 285)Imported White Kekulu Rice: Reduced by Rs. 01…