Author: Buzzer Editorial

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has announced plans to introduce a new pension scheme for workers engaged in the tea industry and related sectors. The programme, which will be implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation, is scheduled to be carried out in collaboration with the Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board and the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure. Under the proposed scheme, employees working in tea estates and tea factories will be eligible to enroll, with contributors given the opportunity to select premium installments according to their financial capacity. Accordingly, an individual who joins the scheme at the…

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has urged motorists travelling on expressways to pay close attention to warning messages displayed on electronic signboards due to prevailing adverse weather conditions.The RDA said reduced visibility caused by heavy cloud cover and fog during daytime hours is affecting driving conditions across several expressway sections.Motorists have been advised to drive with headlights switched on and maintain safe following distances while using the expressways.The RDA further urged drivers to keep their speed under control, particularly around the 60 km/h range where necessary, and to avoid sudden braking, warning that such actions could be hazardous under current…

A Red warning for heavy rains in several areas of the country has been issued by the Department of Meteorology.The prevailing showery conditions are expected to continue further due to the low-pressure area in the vicinity of Sri Lanka.Very heavy showers above 150mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Northwestern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.Heavy showers of about 100 mm are likely at some places elsewhere on the island.Therefore, the general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by heavy rain, strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

A landslide has been reported in the Maha Aragama Ulkanda region with the Wellawaya Divisional Secretariat, following continuous adverse weather conditions.According to reports, a large section of the Ulkanda slope has collapsed, with earth and uprooted large trees sliding down from the upper terrain.Significant ground movement and visible damage have been observed in the area, with soil masses and uprooted trees scattered along the lower slopes.The Monaragala District Disaster Management Unit said the incident will be assessed urgently and necessary mitigation and response measures will be implemented.Authorities are expected to carry out further inspections to determine the full extent of…

An ‘Amber’ Advisory for heavy rains has been issued for the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Puttalam, Galle and Matara districts today (13).The Department of Meteorology stated that the prevailing showery conditions are expected to continue further due to the low-pressure area in the vicinity of Sri Lanka.Accordingly, very heavy showers above 200 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Puttalam, Galle and Matara districts, the Met. Department stated.Meanwhile, heavy showers of about 100 mm are likely at some places in the Northern and Northcentral province and in the Trincomalee…

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has left the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) a short while ago after recording a statement for over two hours.Former President Rajapaksa appeared before CIABOC this morning (12) to provide a statement regarding the alleged SriLankan Airlines Airbus deal.The summons follows a notification issued by the Bribery Commission requesting a statement in connection with an alleged US$2 million bribe reportedly linked to the procurement of aircraft for SriLankan Airlines in 2013.Former Aviation Minister Priyankara Jayaratne has also reportedly been notified to appear before the Commission.However, former President Rajapaksa’s media spokesman, Attorney-at-Law Manoj…

Two suspects accused of arranging two fake sureties to secure bail for former Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena, who recently died under mysterious circumstances, have been remanded until tomorrow (13).The order was issued by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, Ada Derana reporter said.The suspects were produced before court by the Keselwatta Police.The Magistrate also ordered that one of the suspects be produced for an identification parade.

The Opposition has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Justice requesting attention over a statement allegedly made by the President concerning a pending court ruling, according to its convener former Minister G. L. Peiris.Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo today (12), former Minister Peiris claimed that the President, during his May Day rally speech in Maharagama, had referred to the outcome of a court case before the verdict was officially pronounced.Peiris stressed that only the presiding judge is aware of a judgment prior to its announcement and that disclosing such information to a third party would be improper.He further…

Twenty-three members of the clergy arrested in connection with the smuggling of kush and hash from Thailand into Sri Lanka were produced once again before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (12).The arrests relate to a major drug detection carried out at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport on April 26, when officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau apprehended 22 robe-clad suspects (monks) attempting to smuggle more than 110 kilograms of kush and hash concealed inside their luggage after arriving from Thailand.Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of another monk, identified as Angunakole Amithananda Thera, on charges of aiding and abetting the…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to Indians to revive working from home, buy less gold and limit foreign travel to deal with a surge in global energy prices because of the continuing crisis in the Middle East.Modi said the austerity measures, reminiscent of the Covid era, would reduce India’s fuel use and help save foreign exchange.India imports 90% of its oil and its crude bill has seen a multi-billion dollar spike since the US and Israel’s war on Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow Gulf chokepoint, shut for more than two-and-a-half months now.Analysts described Modi’s appeal, made…