Author: Buzzer Editorial

The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda arrived in Sri Lanka on an official visit this morning (23).He stated that he arrived in Colombo at a “critical moment” as the country transitions from crisis response toward recovery and sustainable economic growth.In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kanda noted that he was warmly received at the airport by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance, Anil Jayantha Fernando.He emphasized that the visit provides an opportunity to engage with government representatives, the private sector, and local communities to better understand priorities for the next…

The proposal to increase bus fares is scheduled to be presented to the Cabinet today (23).The National Transport Commission (NTC) stated that the recent fuel price hike, particularly the increase in Lanka auto diesel prices, has significantly impacted the bus fare revision formula. According to the NTC, this has resulted in an increase exceeding 10% compared to the current bus fares.Director General of the NTC, Dr. Nilan Miranda, noted that a Cabinet paper has been submitted seeking approval to implement the revised bus fare structure.Accordingly, the proposal is expected to be presented to the Cabinet today for approval.However, several bus associations…

Sri Lanka’s Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed court on Thursday (20) that former SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena has stated that a sum of Rs. 60 million was paid to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on three separate occasions in connection with the controversial Airbus aircraft transaction.The disclosure was made when the case related to the Airbus deal was taken up before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.According to the Bribery Commission, the claim was revealed through a statement made by Chandrasena, who is a suspect in the case.During Thursday’s proceedings, the Magistrate ordered that Kapila…

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has explained that all fuel orders relevant to the month of April were confirmed yesterday (18).The Managing Director of the CPC, Mayura Neththikumara stated that orders for five fuel shipments were finalized yesterday. He further noted that by logging into the fuel distribution QR system and refreshing it, users can check whether their allocated fuel quota has already been obtained by someone else. Issues faced by those who had discrepancies in their previous quota allocations have also now been resolved, he said.‘‘Earlier, we had only confirmed fuel availability until the end of April based on shipments…

The no-confidence motion against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody signed by Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) has been handed over to the Speaker, a short while ago. 

U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, has arrived in Sri Lanka for an official visit, according to the US Embassy in Colombo.He is visiting Sri Lanka and Maldives from today (19) until March 24. The visit involves high-level engagements aimed at advancing cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, the statement said.During his visit to Sri Lanka, Special Envoy Gor will meet with senior leaders to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Sri Lanka relationship and strengthen cooperation across key sectors, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo said.The envoy’s meetings are expected to support U.S. efforts to safeguard vital…

The National Programme for Tuberculosis Control and Chest Diseases (NPTCCD) has reported that Sri Lanka records between 8,500 and 9,500 tuberculosis (TB) cases each year.Speaking at a press briefing organized by the Health Promotion Bureau ahead of World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, public health specialist Mizaya Cader highlighted that nearly 45% of TB cases in the country are reported from the Western Province.‘‘Globally, one in four people have been infected with tuberculosis. In Sri Lanka, we identify between 8,500 and 9,500 TB patients annually. Over the past 25 years, this number has remained largely unchanged. Next year, we expect…

Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake says that issues faced by the public in obtaining fuel QR codes will be addressed within today (19), and are expected to be fully resolved by tomorrow (20).Responding to a question in Parliament, the Minister noted that fuel consumption in some districts has risen to nearly double the usual levels.He further explained that difficulties in obtaining QR codes have mainly affected individuals who own older vehicles but use new phone numbers, as well as those with new vehicles linked to old phone numbers. He assured that these issues would be resolved…

The price of Brent crude shot up by 4% to $112 (£84.34) a barrel in early trade in Asia.US-traded oil also rose by 3% to $99.27.The jump comes after Iran’s South Pars gas facility – one of the world’s largest natural gas fields – was hit.Iran retaliated by targeting a major liquefied natural gas export facility in Qatar, causing ‘‘extensive damage’’, raising concerns over the global energy supply.While oil prices are still significantly above their pre-war levels, they are below the peaks reached earlier in the conflict, when crude nearly hit $120 a barrel.Stock exchanges in Asia fell in early…

A businessman has been arrested in the Meegaswewa area of Polonnaruwa for illegally hoarding 604 litres of petrol without a valid license.The arrested suspect, a 70-year-old owner of a retail shop, was apprehended yesterday (18), following information received by the Meegaswewa Police Station, police said. The suspect reportedly had been collecting petrol stocks from fuel stations in the area during the past few days.Police suspect that the fuel was being hoarded to be sold at higher prices during shortages.The suspect is scheduled to be produced before the Hingurakgoda Magistrate’s Court today (19).