Author: Buzzer Editorial

At least 30 persons have been rescued from an Iranian vessel in distress off Sri Lanka’s southern seas.The vessel is reportedly belonging to the Iranian Navy.Earlier, a rescue mission was launched by the Sri Lanka Navy after a distress call was received from an Iranian ship approximately 40 nautical miles off the Galle Harbour.Sri Lanka Navy vessels were deployed to the location to rescue those on board, the Ministry of Defence.Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) stated that necessary measures are already being taken in connection with the incident.

A total of 205 flights — 107 arrivals and 98 departures — have been cancelled due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilaka stated.A special meeting was held today (03) at the Ministry premises to assess the current impact on the aviation sector. According to the Subject Minister, steps have been taken to extend visas for tourists stranded in Sri Lanka, covering the duration of their stay. Meanwhile, all airlines have agreed to refund cancelled tickets in full and allow rebooking on other flights without additional charges, the Minister added.Flights to…

The US State Department on Monday ordered the mandatory departure of non-emergency US government personnel and their family members in Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar and Kuwait due to security concerns.The State Department noted personnel in Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait face an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran, as well as significant disruptions to commercial flights. The department also warns of a risk of terrorist attacks in Jordan and Bahrain, and it notes high risks of violence and kidnapping in Iraq.The mandatory departure of non-emergency personnel from the three embassies is the first since the US and…

A crisis has arisen in the country due to a sudden increase in demand for gas, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stated.Speaking in Parliament today (03) while addressing concerns regarding the gas shortage, the President said that there is a storage capacity issue, and necessary measures are currently being prepared to address it.President Dissanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka can store gas only for about one week at maximum.The President also mentioned that the likelihood of a future crisis in gas and fuel is very low. He added that a ship carrying 100,000 new gas cylinders is scheduled to arrive in…

A magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck the Gerash region in Iran on Tuesday, amid the ongoing escalating conflict involving Israeli and US military strikes against the Islamic Republic.The tremor added an upheaval to the already tense regional hostilities. There were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties.- Agencies

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated that all nations must contribute to the establishment of global peace by working to control the ongoing military conflicts in the Middle East.Speaking on 360°, a current affairs programme aired on TV Derana, last night (02), the Minister clarified the Government of Sri Lanka’s stance regarding the situation in the Middle East.He emphasized that war cannot be condoned under any circumstances, irrespective of the parties involved.The Minister further observed that the consequences of war have resulted in the extensive loss of human life and property, while also posing a serious threat to the global economy.Elaborating on…

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the country firmly believes that no armed conflict creates a favourable situation for any community, and stressed that the destructive power of modern military and technological advancements highlights the urgent need for peace.The President said that in a world where sophisticated and large‑scale weapons systems are continuously being developed, everyone can clearly understand how devastating such capabilities can be.He emphasized that Sri Lanka’s position is for all parties involved in the ongoing conflict to make the necessary commitments and take the required steps as soon as possible toward creating a peaceful world.According to…

Average U.S. retail gasoline prices crossed $3 a gallon for the first time since November on Monday as the conflict in the Middle East worsened, setting up a key test of public approval of President Donald Trump’s decision to attack Iran, analysts said.Tehran’s retaliation in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes has disrupted global oil supply, as it hit production facilities in neighboring countries and ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade route. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude rising more than 5% to nearly $77 per barrel, and fuel prices moving ⁠up in tandem with…

Former Foreign Minister Professor G.L. Peiris, in a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has drawn attention to the gravity of consequences arising for Sri Lanka from the volatile situation in the Middle East.Writing on behalf of concerned citizens, Professor Peiris stressed that the government should explain without delay to the country and the international community its stand on the issues involved and its reaction to them.He identified four major areas in which the crisis could directly impact Sri Lanka:I. Escalating oil prices in the world market will inevitably be reflected in local trends in the very near future,…

A commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said Monday that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed and warned that any vessel attempting to pass could be targeted, Iranian ⁠media reported.The move comes after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed ⁠in an Israeli strike, which would threaten to choke a fifth ⁠of global oil flows ⁠and send crude prices sharply ⁠higher.The strait ⁠is the world’s most vital oil export route, connecting the biggest Gulf oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.Earlier, the Revolutionary Guards said…