Author: Buzzer Editorial

The Essential Food Commodities Importers & Traders Association says that the first shipment of imported rice will arrive in the island next week.A spokesperson of the association stated that several importers have already placed orders for rice stocks in accordance with the government’s instructions to import rice.He highlighted that the relevant rice stocks have been ordered from India and Pakistan and that the stocks are expected to arrive within the next week.On December 03, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to allow the import of rice without import control permits until 20 December 2024, in view of the current…

A Sri Lankan national believed to be the head of the criminal gang known as ‘Ava Group’, based in Northern Sri Lanka, has been arrested in Canada.Canadian media reported that Prasanna Nallalingam, 32, who also goes by the name Ajanthan Subramaniyam, is facing extradition to France to face murder charges after being arrested in Toronto this spring.The extradition of Nallalingam is being sought in connection with the alleged gang killing of Abiraman Balakirishnan and attempted murder of another man in September 2022 in France, Canada’s Department of Justice confirmed.Subramaniyam, is believed to be the leader of a group known as…

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has announced that it will conduct special inspections at rice mills in the Polonnaruwa area today (08).Accordingly, a spokesperson said that a report will be obtained regarding the daily rice production, current stock levels, and the quantity of rice released to the market.The CAA also stated that, following the instructions of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, it will take measures to collect information from all rice mills in the future.Meanwhile, following a discussion with rice traders yesterday (07), President Dissanayake has directed new maximum retail and wholesale price limits for various rice types.The President also announced…

A South Korean legislative push to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law fell through on Saturday after most lawmakers from his conservative governing party boycotted the vote.The defeat of the motion is expected to intensify public protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment.Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative party, but it is also determined to oppose Yoon’s impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals.Impeaching Yoon required support from…

The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Mr. Donald Lu has expressed the United States government’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s on-going anti-corruption initiatives as needed during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (07).Mr. Lu stated that the US is prepared to provide financial and technical assistance to strengthen Sri Lanka’s security and economy, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD). He also emphasized the US government’s willingness to offer technical expertise to help recover funds that were illegally taken out of the country, as part of Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption…

Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, who was arrested yesterday for causing a road accident while driving under the influence of alcohol, has been remanded until December 09 after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today (7).Ratwatte, who was released on bail on December 5 in a separate case, was returning from a relative’s house yesterday (06) when his Defender collided with another vehicle near the Kollupitiya Junction. Following a complaint made to the Kollupitiya Police regarding the accident, investigations confirmed that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time, leading to his arrest on charges of causing…

Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Hadunnetti, announced plans to provide sewn school uniforms to students in the future in order to minimize wastage in uniform distribution.Speaking at a ceremony held in Colombo, the Minister emphasized the benefits of this approach, stating it would address inefficiencies and reduce unnecessary waste often associated with the current system.

The Meteorology Department says an easterly wave type disturbance will be affecting the weather conditions in the island in next few days. Under its influence, showery conditions are expected to enhance in the Northern and Eastern provinces from December 10. The Northeast monsoon condition also expected to establishing gradually over the island along with above condition.Meanwhile , several spells of showers will occur in Northern and Eastern provinces, the Met. department said.Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts during the evening or night.Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere, it…

The Resolution on the Vote on Account for the first four months of 2025 waas passed in Parliament today (6) without a vote.The Resolution on the Vote on Account, which facilitates the uninterrupted continuation of government operations and debt servicing for the first quarter of 2025, were presented to Parliament on the 3rd of this month.The debate on the Resolution on the Vote on Account was held in Parliament on the 5th and 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Following the conclusion of today’s debate, was passed without a vote.

A number of activities were held in Parliament today (06) under the leadership of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus in support of the Sixteen Days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV). Women Parliamentarians and the staff of the Secretary General were dressed in orange to support the programme.Accordingly, a wristband with the message “End Gender Based Violence” was presented to the Speaker Hon. (Dr.) Asoka Ranwala by the Deputy Chairpersons of Committees Member of Parliament Hon. Hemali Weerasekara along with the other members of the Caucus. The wristband was also presented to Hon. Sajith Premadasa, the Leader of the Opposition…