Author: Buzzer Editorial

The latest import tariff measures introduced by US President Donald Trump on April 2 have triggered a global economic crisis, sending shockwaves through financial markets around the world.Several international stock markets have experienced sharp declines, with Asian markets among the hardest hit.Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), the country’s only stock market, has also been adversely affected by these developments. Following the announcement of the tariff decision, the CSE has suffered a significant downturn, recording a wipeout for three consecutive trading days.At the close of trading on April 2, the All Share Price Index (ASPI) stood at 16,007.44 points. By…

Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in the Hambantota district, the Department of Meteorology warns.There is a possibility of temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers, it added. The general public has also been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.The Met Department urged the public to seek shelter, preferably indoors, to avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.The public has also been advised not to use wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.

Jaguar Land Rover will pause shipments of its Britain-made cars to the United States for a month, it said on Saturday, as it considers how to mitigate the cost of President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff.Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by India’s Tata Motors (TAMO.NS), opens new tab, confirmed the temporary export suspension after the Times newspaper reported the plan.”As we work to address the new trading terms with our business partners, we are taking some short-term actions, including a shipment pause in April, as we develop our mid- to longer-term plans,” JLR said in an emailed statement.Britain’s car industry, which employs…

The Parliament of Sri Lanka has informed the Election Commission in writing that a parliamentary seat has fallen vacant following the demise of National People’s Power (NPP) Kegalle District MP Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera, the Communications Department of Parliament said.Acting Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne has informed the Chairman of the Election Commission about the vacancy, in terms of the provisions of Article 66(a) of the Constitution with effect from 6 April 2025.The notification has been made in terms of Section 64(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, as amended by the Elections (Special Provisions) Act, No.…

A total of nine new complaints have been reported in relation to acts of violence and violations of election laws pertaining with the 2025 Local Government (LG) Election, according to Police.The Police Headquarters stated that the relevant complaints were received yesterday (06).A complaint related to verbally abusing an individual has been lodged with the Tissamaharama Police Station.Additionally, complaints related to flouting of election laws have been lodged with the Matugama, Baduraliya, Aluthgama, Kalutara South, Mulleriyawa, Kelaniya, and Ragama police stations.The Police Headquarters added that the complaints include holding motorcycle parades, promoting political parties through the launch of water projects, conducting…

Government Printer Pradeep Pushpakumara has confirmed that 7 million ballot papers for postal voting have been printed for the upcoming local government elections. He further said that all printed ballot papers have already been forwarded to the Election Commission.As of now, the printing process for ballot papers in 12 districts has been completed, and those for 9 districts have already been handed over to the Election Commission. The printing for ballot papers in the remaining 13 districts is yet to be finalized.In addition, the Election Commission revealed that ballot papers for postal voting for 114 local government institutions will be dispatched to…

Residents of Colombo witnessed a rare astronomical event at exactly 12.12 p.m. today (April 07) as their shadows vanished momentarily under the midday sun. The phenomenon, known as a ‘Zero Shadow Day’, occurs when the sun is positioned directly overhead, causing vertical objects to cast no shadow. This striking event is part of the sun’s apparent northward journey across the Earth’s surface, known as the subsolar point. As the sun reaches the zenith over different locations, its rays fall perpendicularly on those areas, causing shadows to temporarily disappear. The phenomenon began in Sri Lanka at Dondra Head on April 4 and will continue…

Saudi authorities have announced a temporary visa ban affecting 14 countries ahead of the Hajj season.The suspension applies to Umrah, business, and family visas, with restrictions expected to end by mid-June, according to diplomatic sources.Officials confirm that individuals holding Umrah visas can still enter Saudi Arabia until April 13.The affected countries include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Yemen.Saudi officials have identified several factors behind the decision of the temporary visa ban. The primary concern is unauthorized Hajj participation.In the past, many visitors entered the country on multiple-entry visas but during Hajj season…

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to the President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.The report was officially handed over by Governor of the Central Bank Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, during a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD). AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.According to the…

Asian markets plunged on Monday, deepening a global stocks rout triggered by US President Donald Trump’s trade war.Japan’s benchmark Nikkei fell by more than 8% shortly after opening. The share average, which tracks 225 of the country’s most valuable companies, has fallen below the 33,000 level for the first time since August 2024, according to Reuters. The broader Topix index last traded more than 7.5% lower, recovering from its steepest losses.Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Monday the government will continue to ask President Trump to lower tariffs against Japan, but acknowledged results “won’t come overnight,” according to Reuters.“As…