Author: Buzzer Editorial

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $30 million Small Expenditure Financing Facility (SEFF) for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), guaranteed by the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, to bolster the sustainability of ongoing and future energy sector projects.“This is Sri Lanka’s first SEFF, designed to support the operational sustainability of ADB-financed energy projects, promote initiatives to increase the share of renewable energy, and encourage private sector participation in the renewable energy sector, particularly in the context of the country’s economic challenges,” said ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Takafumi Kadono. “The facility will finance post-completion activities of…

Eight suspects, who were arrested and remanded in custody in connection with the murder of two persons including businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera, also known as ‘Club Wasantha’, have been granted bail by Homagama High Court today (10).Accordingly, the 08 individuals were ordered to be released on two surety bails and Rs. 100,000 each, and under strict conditions, Ada Derana reporter said.Furthermore, the Homagama High Court judge, who imposed overseas travel bans on all eight suspects, also ordered them to hand over their passports to the court and to appear before Athurugiriya Police Station every Sunday.Police had arrested 18 individuals including…

The Cabinet of Ministers has greenlighted a proposal to introduce a suitable mechanism for the utilization of bungalows, ‘Visumpaya’ and presidential residences in various areas across the island, which are maintained under the administration of the Ministry of Public Administration, in an economically beneficial manner.Currently, there are 50 government bungalows established around Colombo 05 and 07, in addition to the presidential residences located in Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Mahiyanganaya, Anuradhapura, Kataragama, Jaffna, Embilipitiya and Bentota which are maintained under the administration of the Presidential Secretariat.However, except for the presidential residences in Colombo and Kandy, the other houses are not used…

A stock of illegally stored foreign liquor bottles worth over Rs. 50 million has been discovered during a raid conducted by the officers of the Excise Office in Gampaha.The raid was carried out at a private institution in Borella following a complaint received by the Commissioner General of Excise.During the raid, the Gampaha Excise officers discovered 173 bottles of foreign liquor stored in an illegal manner at the location in question.Excise officials stated that a 35-year-old man from Colombo was arrested during the raid.The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court today (10).

Several proposals related to the production of all food items that can be produced in the country, have received the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that these measures are expected to be taken under the ‘Food Policy and Security Committee’.Accordingly, it has been decided to maintain a buffer stock of essential food items sufficient for at least 03 months and to maintain a database of food stocks available in the country.Furthermore, the preparation and implementation of an effective program with the participation of the private sector for the activities that contribute to food…

Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal for the introduction of a new digital driving license to replace the existing driving license.Speaking at the Cabinet press conference held this morning (10), Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa pointed out that it has been almost 15 years since the introduction of the driving license as a smart card which is currently in use.Furthermore, Minister Jayatissa highlighted that the government has identified the suitability of issuing a digital driving license, which is currently used in many countries of the world, in accordance with new technology, facilitating data exchange between multiple relevant…

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the extension of the moratorium on the execution of the ‘Parate’ Law, which halts banks from acquiring creditors’ properties, until 31 March 2025.Announcing this week’s Cabinet decisions this morning (10), Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the economic crisis faced by Sri Lanka in the past 04 years has severely affected the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and it has been reported that small and medium entrepreneurs have had to face difficulties in settling the loans obtained from banks.Under that situation, an environment has been created in which the properties of a significant…

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a monthly allowance of Rs. 9,375 for small fishing boat owners, effective from November 1, for a period of five months in order to minimize the impact of the economic crisis on the fisheries industry.Accordingly, this allowance will initially be granted for active small fishing boats registered with the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources which utilize kerosene oil as fuel for a period of 05 months while the relief currently provided to diesel boat owners will be continued.Previously, the Cabinet of Ministers had approved a subsidy of Rs. 25 per litre of diesel…

The United States has imposed sanctions on the former CEO of SriLankan Airlines Kapila Chandrasena and former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga, along with their immediate family members, for their involvement in “significant corruption”.The U.S. State Department announced a slew of sanctions on Monday to mark International Anti-Corruption Day and the eve of Human Rights Day, targeting individuals from multiple countries.Accordingly, the US Department of State has designated 14 individuals, including immediate family members, from countries around the world for significant corruption and one individual for gross violations of human rights, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department’s…

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his commitment to fully exercising his authority to combat fraud and corruption, stressing that laws are meaningless if those in power fail to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.Speaking at the National Commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) today (12), the President outlined his vision for a transparent and accountable governance framework. Under the theme “Let us be exemplary pioneers of a proud nation,” the event brought together stakeholders to address the pressing issue of corruption. Addressing the event, the Head of the State highlighted the inefficiency of existing…