Author: Buzzer Editorial

Iraq and Syria have reopened a key border crossing between the two nations for the first time in more than a decade, with officials highlighting its potential for trade and oil exports.They say it offers an alternative to the embattled Strait of Hormuz at the focus of the Iran war — though overland oil transports are far inferior to pipelines and oil tankers at sea.At the opening ceremony on Monday, Nadia al-Jubouri, a member of Iraq’s provincial council of Nineveh, said the crossing will allow for “trade exchange and oil transportation towards this great gate.”Source: AP

Seven years have elapsed since the Easter Sunday attacks, and island-wide religious observances are being conducted today (21) in solemn remembrance of the victims.According to the Director of Mass Communication for the Catholic Church, Rev. Father Jude Krishantha Fernando, all churches across the country are conducting special commemorative programs this morning. These include tolling of bells, a two-minute silence, lighting of candles or oil lamps, and prayer services in memory of those who lost their lives.A special Mass is scheduled to be held at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade under the patronage of His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. Police have announced that…

The Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan concluded his two-day visit to Sri Lanka this afternoon (20).The Indian delegation headed by Vice President Radhakrishnan, which arrived yesterday, left for Delhi from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).During his visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan held bilateral discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in a continuation of the recent high-level diplomatic engagements, reinforcing the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and India. The Indian Vice President also participated in several events and engaged with political and community leaders in Sri Lanka.A number of Memoranda of Understanding between the…

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday (Apr 20) afternoon, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.It warned of a tsunami as high as 3m in Iwate prefecture and parts of Hokkaido.There was also a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck off the east coast of Honshu.Source: Reuters

Iran has not yet decided whether it will attend a second round of negotiations with the US, a spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry says.‘‘As of now… we have no plans for the next round of negotiation, and no decision has been made in this regard,’’ spokesman Esmail Baghaei says, in a translation from the AFP news agency.President Trump has said he is sending a delegation to Pakistan led by Vice-President JD Vance for talks planned for Monday evening. Trump’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner were also due to attend.On Sunday Iranian state media reported officials had…

The Mayor of the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, Upali Wanigasekera, has announced that steps will be taken to regulate tourist boat services at Gregory Lake under strict safety guidelines.This decision follows an incident involving two tourist boats that occurred yesterday (April 19).The Mayor further stated that, following the incident, the owners and operators of approximately 120 tourist boats stationed at Gregory Lake were summoned and instructed on the required safety measures.Accordingly, operators were briefed on key safety requirements, including the provision of life jackets for all passengers, adherence to strict speed limits, and the conduct of boat operations in a…

In line with global market trends, gold prices in Sri Lanka have increased by around Rs. 2000, according to local market data.As of today (20), the world price of gold has increased to $ 4,829 per ounce.Accordingly, the price of a 22-carat gold sovereign at the Colombo Sea Street gold market rose to Rs. 370,000.Meanwhile, the price of a pound of “24 carat” gold, which was Rs. 400,000 yesterday (19), has increased to Rs. 402,000 today, according to Colombo Sea Street gold market.

An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning across all provinces of Sri Lanka.The advisory, issued at noon today (April 20), will be in effect until 11.00 p.m.Accordingly, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 p.m.The Department further stated that temporary localized strong winds may occur during thundershowers.The general public has been advised to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by lightning activity.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has stated that a significant plan is in place to regain political power in the New Year.Asserting that a political shift is imminent, he noted that his party is fully prepared for the change.The former President further mentioned that, as May Day coincides with a Poya day this year, the party will refrain from holding traditional celebrations and will instead engage in religious observances.Following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, activities at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party headquarters at Nelum Mawatha commenced today (April 20).The event was held under the patronage of former President…

A life jacket worn by a Titanic survivor has been sold at auction to a collector for £670,000.It is the only life jacket from the Titanic to be sold at auction in the 114 years since the ship sank, going under the hammer at Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire.First class passenger Laura Mabel Francatelli, who was one of about 700 people to survive the tragedy in 1912, used the vest before entering a lifeboat.Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said he was ‘‘ecstatic’’. He added: ‘‘It reflects the ongoing interest and passion for the story of the Titanic, and its passengers…