Author: Buzzer Editorial

The Sri Lankan rupee further appreciated against the US dollar today (26), with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) recording a buying rate of Rs. 318.32 and a selling rate of Rs. 328.69, according to the CBSL.In recent days, the rupee had been on a depreciating trend against the US dollar.Accordingly, last Friday, the CBSL reported a buying rate of Rs. 342.63 and a selling rate of Rs. 354.03 for the US dollar.However, over the past couple of days, the Sri Lankan rupee, which had been rapidly depreciating against the US dollar, has shown slight appreciation.

The hotel secures four prestigious accolades, reaffirming its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading hospitality destinations.Hilton Colombo has been recognized on the global stage at the 2026 Haute Grandeur GlobalExcellence Awards, receiving four distinguished accolades that celebrate the hotel’sexcellence in hospitality, culinary experiences, and guest service.The hotel was named Leading Culinary Hotel in Asia, Best Guest Service in Sri Lanka, BestLuxury Hotel in Sri Lanka, and Most Unique Guest Experience in Sri Lanka, marking asignificant milestone for Hilton Colombo, and further strengthening its reputation as one ofthe country’s most celebrated hospitality destinations.Recognized globally as one of the hospitality industry’s…

The Election Commission has stated that it is prepared to conduct Provincial Council elections at any time once the necessary legal provisions are enacted by Parliament, based on the recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee.The Attorney General’s Department has submitted its observations to the Committee regarding existing legal impediments and the possible measures required to facilitate the conduct of Provincial Council elections by addressing those issues.The Parliamentary Select Committee, appointed to examine the electoral system under which Provincial Council elections should be held and to present its recommendations, had sought input from both the Attorney General’s Department and the Election…

National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) says nearly 22,000 deaths are reported annually in Sri Lanka due to tobacco use.The Chairman of NATA, Dr. Ananda Rathnayake, stated that over 200 diseases have been identified as being caused by tobacco consumption.Dr. Rathnayake made these remarks while addressing a media briefing held in Colombo to mark ‘World No Tobacco Day 2026’.Commenting further, he said:“Nearly 22,000 people die every year in this small country due to tobacco use. If we talk about economic loss, according to the 2016 estimates, nearly Rs. 214 billion is spent annually. That is like building a Lotus…

The Attorney General (AG) has informed the Supreme Court that indictments are expected to be filed within one month against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon over investigations into the attack carried out on the ‘Aragalaya’ protest movement in 2022, at the Galle Face Green in Colombo.During proceedings on an appeal filed by the Attorney General against a Court of Appeal ruling that invalidated a directive issued to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to name former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon as a suspect in the case, the Supreme Court was informed of key developments in the case yesterday (25).The…

The Colombo High Court has postponed the delivery of judgments in four cases filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Deputy Minister Sarana Gunawardena until June 09.The order was issued by Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihal, said Ada Derana reporter.The judgments in the four cases, which were filed by CIABOC against Gunawardena, were scheduled to be delivered today (26). However, when the cases were taken up before court, Judge Mihal informed that the verdicts were not yet ready.Accordingly, the judge ordered that the judgments be delivered on June 09.The four cases were…

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has decided to increase the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 100 bps to 8.75%, following its latest Monetary Policy Board meeting held on Monday (25).The Board has arrived at this decision after carefully considering the evolving conditions and outlook on the domestic and global fronts, it said.

Pelwatte Dairy Industries Limited has announced a significant new investment throughits fully owned subsidiary, Pelwatte Foods (Private) Limited, to establish a GreenfieldLiquid Milk Manufacturing Facility (Phase 01) at its Kurunegala plant.The investment, valued at approximately Rs. 1.86 billion, was formalised through anagreement signed with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka at the World Trade Center,Colombo, on May 21. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. AriyaseelaWickremanayake, Chairman of Pelwatte Dairy, Mr. Akmal Wickramanayake, ManagingDirector, and Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Chairman of the BOI.Expanding into Liquid Milk and Value-Added ProductsThe new facility will focus on the production of liquid milk and…

David Pieris Automobiles (Private) Limited (DPA), the four-wheeler sales arm of the David PierisGroup of Companies, has entered into a strategic partnership with Nations Trust Bank PLC tooffer flexible and customer-centric vehicle financing solutions for BAIC and GWM vehicles.This collaboration is aimed at enhancing accessibility and affordability for customers seeking toown vehicles, by combining DPA’s extensive automotive portfolio with Nations Trust Bank’sinnovative financial services. The partnership brings together the strengths of both organisationsto deliver seamless, efficient and cost-effective financing options tailored to diverse customerneeds.Through this initiative, customers will benefit from a streamlined financing process supported byboth the Consumer and Corporate…

The General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Tilvin Silva, says that it will not be possible to hold the Provincial Council elections this year.He made these remarks while responding to questions raised by journalists after the opening of the National People’s Power (NPP) new coordination office in the Jaffna District, held yesterday (23).Journalists inquired as to whether there is any pressure from India to hold the Provincial Council elections soon.In response, Tilvin Silva emphasized that improving understanding between the governments of the two countries is not a solution to the existing issues.He stated that funds were allocated in…