Author: Buzzer Editorial

The Federation of Health Professionals has decided to temporarily call off its planned token strike, which was scheduled to be launched tomorrow (06).Joint Convenor of the federation Ravi Kumudesh stated that they decided to call off the strike until 8.00 a.m. on March 17, after discussions with Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.Several health sector trade unions including the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) had decided to launch a joint trade union action tomorrow, in protest against alleged cuts in allowances of the health sector employees through the budget proposals.However, the GMOA decided to temporarily call off their island-wide strike, planned…

Police have arrested the suspected gunman in connection with the recent triple homicide in Middeniya, in which the father and his two children were shot dead while riding on a motorcycle.Police have now arrested a total of eight suspects, including two police constables and two former army soldiers, over the incident.The shooting occurred on the night of February 18, targeting a man travelling by motorcycle with his two children near the Kadewatta Junction in Middeniya. The father, who was riding the motorcycle, was killed on the spot. His son and daughter, who were critically injured, were rushed to the Embilipitiya and…

The overseas travel ban imposed on Pastor Jerome Fernando has been lifted by court.The order was issued when the case filed against Fernando was taken up before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (05).The court had previously imposed a foreign travel ban on Pastor Jerome Fernando in connection with the case filed against him for allegedly making derogatory statements about other religions.The controversial pastor was arrested on December 01, 2023 after a video of one of his sermons, containing alleged derogatory statements regarding other religions, went viral on social media. After months of controversy over his remarks, Fernando returned to…

Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe says that substandard coconut oil, which is unsuitable for consumption, is available in the market.Responding to a question posed by Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) MP Chaminda Wijesiri in Parliament today (05), the Minister confirmed that this has been identified in market sample testing conducted by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA).Commenting further on this matter, Samarasinghe added, “The CAA has identified through market sample testing that substandard coconut oil, which is unfit for consumption, is available in the market.”The Minister also highlighted that local producers are manufacturing and distributing substandard coconut oil in the market without…

Daisy Forest, also known as “Daisy Achchi,” the maternal grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, was questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning in connection with investigations into a money laundering case.Following questioning by the CID this morning (05), she was arrested and is scheduled to be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court later today.On February 14, the Attorney General filed indictments in the Colombo High Court against Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Daisy Forest Wickremesinghe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.The charges relate to their failure to disclose the source of funds used to acquire lands and properties in Sirimalwatta…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to Sri Lanka in April. The visit, according to Sri Lankan sources, is still firming up and could happen around 5th April, with focus on a range of issues, including connectivity and economic ties. The invitation for this visit was extended by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during his two-day trip to New Delhi in mid-December 2024. That was President Dissanayake’s first overseas visit after being elected in September 2024.During the visit, the Indian government announced the conversion of $20 million in payments for seven completed Line of Credit projects into…

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Chaminda Ranasinghe has announced that a contributory pension scheme will be introduced this year for individuals engaged in the tourism sector.Responding to a question raised by ‘Samagi Jana Balawegaya’ (SJB) MP Hesha Withanage in Parliament today (05), the Deputy Minister also revealed plans for a social welfare program aimed at supporting tourism sector workers.Additionally, he stated that the government is in the process of identifying 100 tourist attractions for future development, with Rs. 10 million to be allocated per site to enhance basic facilities.Furthermore, the government has also decided to construct Rest Centers for tourists,…

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the qualitative change required for a new society should begin within ourselves and that the government has planned to develop cooperatives suited to the modern world while strengthening the rural economy.The Prime Minister made this statement while addressing the members of the Women’s Forum held at the Sunanda Theatre, Aranayake, on March 2nd.Speaking further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said:”We have come to the right place with our long-standing efforts. Now, we must guide the country on the right path. We have started to build a nation where everyone can live happily and…

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kuthar arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit this morning (03 Mar 25). The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.INS Kuthar is a 91.1 metre long Corvette, commanded by Commander Nitin Sharma. Meanwhile, she is manned by a crew of 129.The Commanding Officer of the ship called on the Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters. During their visit to the island, the ship’s crew members are set to explore several tourist attractions in Colombo. They will also engage in training…

A foreign national was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning (05) by officers of the Customs Narcotics Control Unit for smuggling Kush cannabis estimated to be worth around Rs. 52 million.The suspect, a 34-year-old Thai national, had arrived at BIA from Bangkok, Thailand, onboard Thai Airways flight TG-307 at 1:00 a.m today (05).Upon inspection, customs officers discovered a total of 5 kilograms and 200 grams of Kush cannabis concealed inside food packets in his luggage.The suspect has been handed over to the BIA Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigation.