Author: Buzzer Editorial

Sri Lanka said it’s reached an agreement in principle with bondholders to restructure its $114 billion debt load, just days before the country heads for presidential elections.The government held restricted discussions with nine members of the steering committee of the ad-hoc group of bondholders between September 12th and 18th, it said in a statement on Thursday. The parties agreed to introduce “governance-linked bond features” as part of the revised bond treatment, it said, referring to clauses that would cut Sri Lanka’s repayments if it meets certain governance and anti-corruption-related targets.Sri Lanka was joined by its legal and financial advisors, Clifford Chance…

All election campaigning activities of the candidates contesting for the 2024 Presidential Election ended at midnight yesterday (18).All election campaigning activities of Presidential Candidates ended and the silence period came into effect from midnight yesterday and will remain enforced until Saturday (21), the day that the Presidential Election will be held, the Election Commission announced.During the silence period, any type of campaigning is strictly prohibited and the Police has been authorised to arrest any party who violates the election rules and regulations enforced by the law.As such, the final campaign rallies of several main Presidential candidates were held yesterday (18)…

Kamindu Mendis maintained his red-hot form and struck a majestic 114 to power Sri Lanka to 302-7 on the opening day of the first Test in Galle on Wednesday.Electing to bat, Sri Lanka slumped to 106-4 but Kamindu’s fourth Test hundred ensured the hosts breached the 300-mark.Ramesh Mendis was batting on 14 at stumps with Prabath Jayasuriya yet to open his account at the other end.Earlier, New Zealand speedster William O’Rourke (3-54) hectored the Sri Lankan top order, bowling with unbridled aggression.Dimuth Karunaratne (two) was done in by the extra bounce O’Rourke generated, while Pathum Nissanka (27) succumbed to a…

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced that it will distribute the uniforms necessary for 4.3 million school students and all the needed robes (Sivuru) for 825 ‘Pirivens’ for the upcoming 2025 school term. Accordingly, the school uniforms and robes are to be distributed before January 20, when the 2025 new school term begins.The school uniforms have been donated by the Chinese government, following discussions between the Education Minister, the Chinese Ambassador, and other relevant officials of the Chinese government.According to the announcement, all school uniforms are being provided free of charge and will result in the government saving around Rs.…

The Deputy General Manager of Railways, Nandana Idipolage stated that the normal train schedule for Saturdays will be implemented on the day of the Presidential Election (Sept. 21).Responding to a query from Ada Derana, he further stated that long-distance trains will be operated on Sunday (22) and that there could be a certain decrease in short-distance train journeys.Meanwhile, the Department of Railways has taken steps to operate a special train to between Colombo Fort and Kankesanturai for government officials and security personnel engaging in election duties.

Kamindu Mendis equals a World Test record by scoring 50+ runs in each of his first seven matches, with Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel being the only other batter to achieve this feat.

Train services on the Kelani Valley line will experience delays due to the derailment of a track maintenance compartment near Kirulapone, according to Sri Lanka Railways.

Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake told FactSeeker that any votes cast for late presidential candidate Mohammed Ilyas would be considered invalid.With the vacancy created by the demise of Ilyas on 22 August, FactSeeker observed questions emerging from the public regarding the process for filling his vacancy.FactSeeker investigated these queries to provide clarity.It was revealed that the Election Commission had informed the representatives of Ilyas that a replacement candidate should be nominated by 5 September.Mohammed Ilyas, an independent candidate, was originally nominated by a voter. (A candidate attached with a party would be nominated by the party secretary).The requirement…

As the campaign period for the upcoming Presidential Election will end tonight (18) at midnight, those engaging in illegal campaigning after the given deadline could face arrest and legal action, the Election Commission warned.Speaking to Buzzer News, Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake, said “Any individual or group continuing to canvass or promote candidates after the given deadline would be in violation of the election law.”According to Ratnayake, strict regulations are in place to ensure a fair and free election process.“Once the campaign period concludes, no further public rallies, distribution of promotional materials, or door-to-door canvassing will be allowed.…

Sri Lanka will take on New Zealand in the first of two Test matches at the Galle International Cricket Stadium today.After their impressive 8-wicket win against England at the Oval, Sri Lanka is eager to carry that winning momentum into the New Zealand series, particularly with the advantage of playing in home conditions. New Zealand, led by fast bowler Tim Southee, poses a tough challenge, but Sri Lanka has devised fresh strategies to combat the Kiwis.“We are aware of our strengths in our home conditions, and we are formulating plans accordingly. I am confident that our players will execute these…