Author: Buzzer Editorial

The Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Task Force will hold its sixth meeting tomorrow (29) at the Mahaweli Center in Colombo, as confirmed by M. P. N. M. Wickramasinghe, Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Fisheries. The meeting will bring together 12 officials to discuss key bilateral concerns, especially the ongoing issue of bottom trawling by Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters.Since assuming office, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has prioritized addressing the environmental and economic impacts of bottom trawling—a fishing method that involves dragging heavy nets across the seafloor, which can cause long-term ecological damage, he said, adding that in line with the…

The equal distribution of seats between the National People’s Power (NPP) and opposition parties will have no effect on maintaining the activities of the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha, according to former Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya. The NPP had secured 15 seats while the remaining 15 seats were divided among the various opposition groups.Nishantha Perera, who contested as the NPP Group Leader, is tipped to be appointed as the new Chairman of the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha. The election for the local council was held last Saturday (26), under a combination of the constituency level and the proportional representation system. In the 30-seat…

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite former President Ranil Wickramasinghe’s claims about a Cabinet decision to raise government employees’ salaries, the proper procedures were not followed when taking the decision.Speaking at a public rally in Padukka, she pointed out that even though the former President had announced a salary increase for government employees, the Cabinet decision was made without consulting the Treasury or officials from the Ministry of Finance. “The decision was announced, but the decision has not been taken after doing the part necessary to implement the decision.”“What does that say? It is clearly a false promise made…

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung has clarified that the United States has not issued a travel ban on Sri Lanka and that the security alert issued recently was only for Americans to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice. Chung said she is proud of the U.S. Embassy’s ongoing collaboration with the government of Sri Lanka to respond to a security threat that resulted in its recent security alert, and pledged to continue working together to support the safety and prosperity of Sri Lanka’s citizens and visitors alike.Speaking during an event on Monday (28), she stated that one…

An organized criminal and large-scale drug trafficker, known as ‘Marvin Jana’ or ‘Bakery Jana,’ has been apprehended in Sri Lanka after successfully evading security forces for some time.During a special operation conducted by the Special Task Force (STF) on October 26, ‘Bakery Jana’ was arrested with crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ice.’ The raid took place at No. 24/1/1, First Lane, Dewalamulla Junction, Dehiwala Road, in the Boralasgamuwa Police Division. The 45-year-old suspect, a resident of Attidiya, Dehiwala, was arrested while in possession of 17 grams and 60 milligrams of ‘ice’ while traveling in a car to carry out smuggling activities. The…

The train services from Colombo Fort to Kankasanturai have officially resumed today (28).The Department of Railways announced that the train services halted for 10 months due to maintenance and development activities will resume today.Its Deputy General Manager (Operations), Mr. N.J. Idipolage stated that by resuming the train operation on the Northern Railway, the Yal Devi train will now operate between Colombo Fort and Kankesanturai, while the Rajarata Rejini train will be operating from Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura.

A 19-year-old youth in the Kumbukwewa in Neriyawa has been killed in an accident on the Kumbukgate – Bannakgama Nelawa road last afternoon (27). The accident occurred when a motorcycle traveling from Bannakgama towards Nelawa collided head-on with another motorcycle coming from the opposite direction. The collision resulted in serious injuries to both riders, their passengers, and two children. All were admitted to Hiripitiya Hospital, where one of the riders succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.Kumbukgate Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

he Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced that it will take steps today (28) to inform the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to request additional information regarding the electricity tariff revision.For the third quarterly review of this year, the CEB recently submitted a proposal for a tariff revision to the commission.PUCSL Director of Corporate Communications Jayanath Herath stated that the proposed reviews are scheduled to be discussed by PUCSL officials today.If additional amendments are required by the commission and further actions are necessary, the electricity board will be informed via a letter.

Padaviya Police Station has arrested two suspects who were in possession of a stock of commercial explosives.Based on information received by a team of officers from Padaviya police station, a car inspection was conducted in the 01st mile post area of Padaviya police division last evening (27). During the inspection, the officers discovered a stock of explosives being transported without a license.The items found included 75 kg of gunpowder, 90 gelignite sticks, 300 detonators, and 05 detonation cords.The arrested suspects, aged 28 and 30, are residents of the Hidogama and Mapaladikulama areas.The car in which the suspects were traveling has…

The Meteorology Department says showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara and Mannar districts. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other areas of the island during the evening or night. Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-western, Uva and Eastern provinces, it added. Strong winds of about 40 kmph can be expected at times over Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.Thus, the general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by…