Author: Buzzer Editorial

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has initiated a special investigation into an incident that occurred on 17 June during a bomb disposal exercise conducted at the Kalpitiya Firing Range.In a statement, the Air Force said that while the exercise was in progress, three individuals entered the secured perimeter of the firing range without prior authorization or notification.At the time, seven Air Force personnel on duty, together with an officer from the Police Special Task Force (STF), questioned the three individuals regarding their identities. During the inquiry, it was established that one of the individuals was a police officer, while…

The Government of Sri Lanka has introduced a new set of regulations, effective from today (19), aimed at enhancing the monitoring and oversight of outward remittances associated with import transactions.The measures were announced through a Gazette Extraordinary issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.The regulations, promulgated by Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, amend the existing Special Import License and Payment Regulations of 2011. The new measures are designed to improve transparency in import-related foreign exchange payments and enhance coordination between commercial banks and the Sri Lanka Customs Department.Under the revised regulations,…

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has expanded its crop insurance programmes to provide farmers with greater protection against natural disasters and climate-related risks, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation.The insurance schemes cover a wide range of cultivations, with priority given to key plantation crops including cinnamon, rubber, banana, tea and coconut. Separate insurance coverage has also been introduced for seed paddy farms.The Ministry said the schemes are available at concessionary premium rates, enabling farmers to safeguard their livelihoods against unexpected losses caused by adverse weather conditions and other natural disasters.The programme has been initiated amid increasing concerns…

The Department of Meteorology has issued an “Amber” advisory for strong winds and rough seas in the sea areas extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.According to the Department of Meteorology, the sea areas off the coasts extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times, with strong gusty winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph.Accordingly, Naval and fishing communities are requested to pay close attention to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology.

Train services between Badulla and Nanu Oya will resume on Saturday (20) following the completion of restoration work on a landslide-affected section of the upcountry railway line, the Department of Railways has announced.The railway track between Nanu Oya and Ambewela was severely damaged by a landslide triggered by Cyclone Ditwah that affected the country last year.According to the Department, reconstruction work on the affected section has now been completed. A successful trial run was conducted yesterday through the restored area, confirming the line’s readiness for normal operations, the Department noted.The restoration project was carried out by the National Building Research…

The Court of Appeal today (18) has postponed further consideration of a petition filed by former Minister Nalin Fernando, who is currently serving a prison sentence, seeking the dismissal of an indictment filed against him by the Attorney General in connection with the controversial “Carrom Boards” case. The case has been deferred until June 25, Ada Derana reporter said.The petition was taken up before a bench comprising Justices P. Kumararatnam and Pradeep Hettiarachchi. Appearing for the petitioner, President’s Counsel Ali Sabry, on the instructions of Attorney-at-Law Ramzi Bacha, informed the court that his client had already been convicted in a case…

The United National Party (UNP) has called on the government to obtain all material related to the United States investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, stating that the information is currently held by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and/or the US Department of Justice.The UNP questioned whether the present government, which has reportedly resumed investigations into the 2019 attacks, has formally requested the relevant material from US authorities. It further stated that if such a request has been made, the government should disclose the response received from the United States.The UNP stressed that all investigative material obtained through…

A former private secretary of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sugeeshwara Bandara has been arrested by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB).Sugeeshwara Bandara has been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegations of drawing salaries from two government institutions.Further investigations are conducted by the CCIB.

The Court of Appeal today (18) will consider the petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, seeking an order to prevent his arrest in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.The petition was taken up yesterday before a bench comprising President of the Court of Appeal Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando, said Ada Derana reporter.During the proceedings, the President of the Court of Appeal ordered that the petition be called today for the verification of facts.Accordingly, the petition is scheduled to be considered today before a Court of Appeal bench comprising President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya and…

Dengue prevention activities are scheduled to be carried out today (18) across school premises and other educational institutions as part of the ongoing National Dengue Control Week, the Ministry of Education has announced.The programme will be implemented in schools, pre-schools, private educational institutions and all other related learning environments, focusing on eliminating mosquito breeding sites.Authorities launched the Dengue Control Week on June 15 in response to the prevailing high-risk dengue situation in the country.Under the initiative, dengue prevention activities will also be conducted tomorrow (19), targeting all government and private sector institutions as well as industrial establishments.In addition, the campaign…