Author: Buzzer Editorial

A total of 71 students of the University of Colombo have contracted dengue fever, while five students are currently receiving treatment after being hospitalized, Vice Chancellor Professor Indika Karunathilake said.The Colombo University Vice Chancellor noted that most of the reported dengue cases were from the Faculty of Arts. In view of the situation and its impact on students’ academic activities, the university administration has decided to conduct lectures of several faculties through online and hybrid modes for one week.He said the university has implemented several measures to control the spread of dengue and is continuously monitoring the health condition of…

Senior officers from prisons across the island have been summoned for a special meeting tomorrow (8 July) at 7:30 a.m.Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, stated this while addressing Parliament regarding the situation that arose at Negombo Prison.

The inmates who were involved in the violent clash at Negombo Prison had managed to obtain weapons and had broken through the iron gate before emerging from the prison compound, Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said in Parliament today (07).The Minister said the government had not underestimated the seriousness of the incident at any stage.He stated that the group involved in the unrest had intended to disrupt the mechanism established to prevent narcotics and other illegal items from entering the prison.He further revealed that two unarmed prison officers were initially attacked, prompting other officers to rush to the scene in an…

Due to a shortage of operational power sets, the Railway Department has decided to reduce the frequency of the daily Colombo–Kankesanthurai Intercity Express train service to four days a week.Accordingly, effective from July 10, 2027, the Intercity Express train, which previously departed from Mount Lavinia daily at 5:15 a.m. and Colombo Fort at 5:45 a.m. for Kankesanthurai, and returned from Kankesanthurai to Mount Lavinia at 1:50 p.m., will operate only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.Furthermore, the Yal Devi Express train is also not operating daily at present and is currently running on alternate days.The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’…

All faculties of the University of Moratuwa will be closed for a period of two weeks due to the risk of dengue fever spreading, the Vice Chancellor announced.The university administration has taken steps to suspend on-campus activities for two weeks, effective from yesterday (6 July).The decision was made amid reports that university examinations are currently being conducted and that several students suffering from fever had attended the examinations. As a precautionary measure, the university authorities decided to temporarily close the institution.However, the administration stated that academic activities, including lectures, will continue to be conducted online during the closure period.Accordingly, academic activities…

More than 62,000 dengue cases have been reported across Sri Lanka so far this year, according to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).Acting Director of the NDCU, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, said that 7,038 cases have been reported in July alone.The Western Province accounts for the highest number of infections, representing 52.4% of the total reported cases nationwide.Among the districts, Colombo has recorded the highest number of cases with 12,663, followed by Gampaha with 12,582 cases and Kalutara with 4,191 cases.

Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, visited the Negombo District General Hospital to inquire into the condition of prison officers who were injured during the recent clash at the Negombo Prison.During the visit, the Minister held discussions with doctors and hospital staff regarding the treatment being provided to the injured officers and the medical facilities required for them.A total of 23 prison officers injured in the incident are currently receiving treatment at the Negombo District General Hospital and the Colombo National Hospital.Meanwhile, a total of 54 inmates injured in the prison clash are also receiving treatment.

The inmate identified as ‘Katuwellegama Suresh’ who is alleged to have orchestrated the unrest at Negombo Prison, has been transferred to Boossa Prison.Suresh, who is reported to be a close associate of underworld figure ‘Kehelbaddara Padme,’ has been accused of multiple offences, including assault with sharp weapons, robbery, and the possession and trafficking of narcotics.He has also been accused of attacking a Buddhist monk and an assistant at a temple in Narammala in 2016, tying them up and damaging a ‘chaithya’ (Buddhist pagoda).A case against him is currently being heard before the Negombo High Court, while he remains in remand…

Another prison inmate injured in the recent clash at Negombo Prison has succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the Negombo Hospital, Police said.Accordingly, the death toll from the prison violence has risen to 27.Police stated that the fatalities now include seven prison officers and twenty inmates.

Indictments were served before the Colombo High Court against three defendants, including former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa, over alleged corruption-related offences.The indictments, filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), were taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Ravindra Premaratne, said Ada Derana reporter.The court ordered that each of the three defendants be released on two personal bails of Rs. 1 million each. The judge also imposed an overseas travel ban, preventing the defendants from leaving the country.In addition, the court directed that the fingerprints of the defendants be obtained and a report be submitted.The case…