Author: Buzzer Editorial

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, North-Central, Southern and Uva provinces and in Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, and Batticaloa districts.The advisory issued at noon today (21) will be in effect until 11.30 p.m.Accordingly, thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northwestern, North-Central, Southern and Uva provinces and in Mannar, Vavuniya, Ampara, and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers, it added. The general public has been requested to take adequate precautions to…

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has announced a new set of procedures to be followed by multi-day fishing trawlers navigating through Maldivian waters.The Director General of the Department, Susantha Kahawatta, stated that these measures must be adhered to by all multi-day fishing vessels entering the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) while en route to the Arabian Sea for fishing activities or when returning after completing their operations.It is noted that vessels entering Maldivian waters in violation of that country’s laws and regulations are liable to be detained by security authorities. Furthermore, Maldivian authorities impose heavy fines for the…

The government has moved to expedite compensation payments to farmers affected by crop losses resulting from the salinity barrier constructed across the Nilwala River in Matara.The barrier, implemented in 2019 by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) as a special project to prevent saltwater intrusion into the district’s drinking water sources, has since been linked to recurring damage to paddy cultivation due to its irregular construction.Cultivated lands in several areas, including Dikwella, Kamburupitiya, Kekanadura, Madiha, Malimbada, Meda Uyangoda, Kalalla, and Wilpita, have been continuously damaged over the years.Although farmers and farmer organizations repeatedly raised this issue with previous…

Two close associates of organized criminal and large-scale drug trafficker Salindu Malshitha, also known as “Panadura Kudu Salindu,” have been arrested in the Payagala area.Preliminary investigations have revealed that the two suspects had been secretly residing in Payagala while distributing narcotics in surrounding areas.The suspects were apprehended during a special raid conducted in the early hours of today (21) in the Nirmalawatta and Kumburugoda areas of Payagala, based on information received by the Walana Central Anti-Corruption Striking Force.The arrested individuals have been identified as a suspect nicknamed “Pettha” (Pathum) and another known as “Kaviya” (Kavindu).Police have taken into custody 42,350…

The Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has alleged that certain state officials are attempting to undermine ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, despite what he described as a positive approach by the incumbent government. He made these remarks while attending a memorial service held today (21) to mark seven years of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.The Cardinal questioned whether political forces linked to those officials may have been involved in the attacks, asking why there would otherwise be repeated obstacles to uncovering the truth.The Archbishop of Colombo also stated that the Presidential Commission of Inquiry,…

The US will not lift its blockade on Iranian ports until a deal has been reached with Tehran, US President Donald Trump has said, amid continuing uncertainty over whether fresh talks to end the war will take place.The blockade, which began a week ago, is “absolutely destroying Iran”, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, adding his country was winning the conflict “by a lot”.His comments come with the temporary US-Iran ceasefire set to end on Wednesday, but with no certainty over whether a second round of peace talks will go ahead in Pakistan.There is tightened security in…

Tim Cook will be stepping down from his role as Apple CEO, to be replaced by John Ternus, the company has announced.Mr Cook, who joined the technology giant in 1998 and has been its CEO for nearly 15 years after succeeding the late Steve Jobs, will take up the role of executive chairman.He will remain in his current role until 1 September, when Mr Ternus, the current head of the hardware engineering department, will officially take up the position.The move comes following months of speculation that Apple was searching for a successor to Mr Cook, with Mr Ternus seen as…

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed his full support for the “Walk for Peace” journey, which will be officially commenced in Sri Lanka today (21).In a post shared on X, the President stated, “I am honoured to support the Walk for Peace journey across Sri Lanka, commencing today, promoting mindfulness, loving-kindness, unity, and harmony among all people.”Highlighting the significance of the journey, which carries the Sacred Relics of the Buddha and a Bodhi tree sapling from Dambulla across the island, the President added, “As this sacred walk sets out from Dambulla and travels across our island, carrying the Sacred Relics…

The United National Party (UNP) has dismissed as false a statement currently circulating on social media under the title “UNP’s stance on celebrating International Workers’ Day,” which uses the party’s official logo.In a statement, the UNP clarified that the content is entirely fabricated and not issued by the party.The UNP further emphasized that this year’s International Workers’ Day falls on a Vesak Poya day, and that no decision has been taken so far to hold a May Day celebration, either independently or in collaboration with another party or organization.The UNP also noted that any official announcements regarding such events would…

Seven Buddhist monks, led by Vietnamese national Venerable Pannakara Thero has arrived in the country this morning (21) to take part in ‘‘Walk for Peace’‘ in Sri Lanka. The rescue dog ‘Aloka’ has also arrived along with the delegation. The internationally renowned ‘‘Walk for Peace’‘ programme is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from today until April 28, under state patronage.The procession, led by Ven. Pannakara Thero along with the Maha Sangha, will carry a sacred Bodhi sapling obtained from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.A large number of state and private institutions, including the Presidential Secretariat, the Clean Sri…