Author: Buzzer Editorial

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for rough sea conditions and strong winds for the sea areas extending from Mullaitivu to Pottuvil via Kankesanturai, Mannar, Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.The advisory, issued today (02), will remain in effect until 10.30 a.m. tomorrow (03).According to the Met. Department, the sea areas extending from Mullaitivu to Pottuvil via Kankesanturai, Mannar, Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota will be rough at times with strong gusty winds up to 50-60 kmph.Naval and fishing communities who are engaged in fishing and naval activities in the above sea areas have been urged…

The Department of Irrigation states that water levels in rivers are gradually receding following a progressive reduction in rainfall over the past few days.Director of Irrigation (Hydrology and Disaster Management), L.S. Sooriyabandara, stated that water levels in reservoirs across the island are returning to normal as rainfall declines.Consequently, he noted that there is currently no threat of flooding in any rivers.Sooriyabandara further explained that only light rainfall is being recorded in the wet zone, while most other parts of the country are experiencing dry weather conditions.He added that rainfall is expected to remain at normal low levels over the next…

The minimum monthly expenditure required for an individual to meet their basic needs has increased to Rs. 17,117, according to the official poverty line released by the Department of Census and Statistics for April.According to the Department, the official poverty line increased by Rs. 427 compared to March, when it was recorded at Rs. 16,690.The official poverty line represents the minimum monthly expenditure required for a person to satisfy basic consumption needs.District-wise data show that the highest official poverty line for April was recorded in the Colombo District at Rs. 18,461.Meanwhile, the lowest poverty line was reported in the Monaragala…

Representatives of private bus associations are scheduled to meet today (02) to decide on the next course of action regarding the decision not to increase bus fares despite the recent rise in diesel prices.The President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), Gemunu Wijeratne, stated that a final decision on bus operations will be taken following the discussion.He noted that representatives of all private bus associations are expected to participate in the meeting this morning.“We will be meeting today with representatives of other bus associations. Our main focus will be to discuss how the industry can survive the impact…

The National Rabies Control Programme states that more than Rs. 5 billion is spent annually on efforts to control rabies in Sri Lanka.Director of the Programme, Dr. Niroshan Gamage, said plans have been formulated to achieve zero rabies-related deaths in the country by 2030.He made these remarks while addressing the media in Ratnapura.Dr. Gamage noted that the number of rabies deaths in Sri Lanka has declined significantly compared to figures recorded five decades ago. He stated that 14 rabies-related deaths were reported in 2025, compared to 20 deaths in 2024.“Our objective is to reduce the number of rabies deaths to…

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage has issued an Extraordinary Gazette notification temporarily suspending the registrations of the Sri Lanka Handball Federation, the Sri Lanka Carrom Federation, and the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation, and placing their administration under the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.According to the Gazette notification, the Minister has taken this decision in terms of the powers vested in him under Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, as amended. The relevant Extraordinary Gazette Notification (No. 2489/48) has been published accordingly.The national sports federations affected by…

Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, has warned that the country’s inflation rate could increase to 7% due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and rising global fuel prices.Dr. Weerasinghe stated that although it was initially anticipated that the Middle East conflict would be resolved in the short term, its prolonged duration has had significant repercussions on Sri Lanka’s economy.He noted that fuel prices have continued to rise, creating upward pressure on inflation. According to the Governor, inflation, which is currently projected at around 5.4% to 5.5%, is likely to increase further…

Major General Nilantha Premaratne of the Sri Lanka Artillery assumed duties as the 69th Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army on 01 June 2026 at the Army Headquarters.Amidst religious observances and blessings, the Senior Officer symbolically assumed duties by signing an official document at the Chief of Staff’s Office.He is a proud product of St. Servatius College, Matara. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army and presently holds the appointment of Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Artillery.

Under the ‘Vanaspathi’ Programme launched in 2025, a total of 81 forests have so far been declared as forest reserves through gazette notifications.An additional five reserves are scheduled to be gazetted on June 5, increasing the total number of forest reserves declared under the programme to 86.The reserves set to be declared on June 5 are Ritigala, Aliyawetunu Wewa, Bulagala, Konkatiya, and Kallanchi.Speaking at a media briefing held today (01) at the Government Information Department, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi said that the 29 forests declared as reserves in 2025 covered approximately 50,000 hectares.He further stated that an additional 50…

A total of 237 suspected cases of meningitis have been reported from several parts of Sri Lanka, according to the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health.The surge in cases has also prompted health authorities to issue preventive guidelines to the general public.Meanwhile, health authorities have advised the public to consume clean drinking water, preferably boiled and cooled, to help curb the spread of the disease.Speaking on the development, Community Health Specialist Dr. Thushani Dabrera said that the majority of cases reported so far are believed to be viral meningitis infections.According to Dr. Dabrera, the first cases were detected on…