Author: Buzzer Editorial

Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders have released Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman after being instructed to do so by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).There was no reason given for the BCCI’s request but it comes amid strained tensions between India and neighbouring Bangladesh.Last month, a Hindu man was accused of blasphemy and beaten to death by a mob in Muslim-majority Bangladesh in an episode that resulted in protests by Hindu nationalist groups in India.Anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh has grown since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to the country in 2024.India has not agreed to…

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced that water supply to several areas in and around Colombo has been suspended today (03) following a sudden breakdown in the main transmission pipeline from Ambatale to Dehiwala.Water supply has been completely interrupted in the following areas:• Moratuwa• Rawathawatta• Soysapura• Ratmalana• Mount Lavinia• Dehiwala• Wellawatte• Pamankada• Mulleriyawa• KolonnawaIn addition, residents in the Battaramulla area will experience low water pressure, it said.The NWSDB is currently undertaking repair work on the damaged pipeline and expects to restore water supply to all affected areas by midnight today (03).

Multiple explosions rocked Venezuela’s capital Caracas early on Saturday (Jan 3) and columns of black smoke and aircraft could be seen, according to Reuters witnesses and images circulating on social media.A power outage affected the southern area of the city, near a major military base, witnesses said.It was not immediately clear what caused the disturbances, which began about 2 am (0600 GMT), or exactly where they were occurring. Reuters could not immediately verify the social media videos.US President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela. He has not publicly detailed his aims but has privately pressured President Nicolas…

Despite the severe impact of Cyclone ‘Ditwah’, Sri Lanka recorded a notable economic recovery in 2025, marking a significant turnaround following the country’s recent economic crisis.With the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Sri Lanka entered 2025 with a renewed focus on restoring macroeconomic stability. Key economic indicators released for the year reflect substantial progress across multiple sectors.Tax revenue, the primary component of government income, reached a historic high in 2025. The Inland Revenue Department reported a record revenue collection of Rs. 2,203 billion, the highest in its 93-year history. This represents a surplus of Rs. 33 billion above the…

A strong earthquake rattled southern and central Mexico on Friday, interrupting President Claudia Sheinbaum ‘s first press briefing of the new year as seismic alarms sounded and leaving at least two people dead.The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.5 and its epicenter was near the town of San Marcos in the southern state of Guerrero near the Pacific coast resort of Acapulco, according to Mexico ‘s national seismological agency. There were more than 500 aftershocks.The state’s civil defense agency reported various landslides around Acapulco and on other highways in the state.Guerrero Gov. Evelyn Salgado said that a 50-year-old woman living…

The Ministry of Education has issued a notice outlining guidelines for the revision of the school timetable for 2026, and instructions on the utilization of academic staff under the new education reforms.Accordingly, school hours in 2026 will remain unchanged, continuing from 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.The Ministry further stated that the new education reform process will be implemented for Grades 1 and 6, beginning in 2026.See the full set of guidelines below:Guideline Commencement of School 2026 – Sinhala 

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has submitted a proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) requesting a revision of electricity tariffs for the year 2026. In its submission, the CEB has indicated that an 11.57% increase in tariffs will be necessary in the first quarter of the year.The PUCSL has stated that a decision on whether to approve the proposed increase will be made following due procedures and discussions.The full proposal is provided in the link below.https://www.pucsl.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2025-12-24-Frm-CEB_Proposal-for-the-Quarterly-electricity-tariff-review-_-Q1_2026..pdf

It has been reported that the prices of Litro domestic LP Gas cylinder refills will remain unchanged for the month of January 2026.A company spokesperson stated that, although an upward revision was justified due to prevailing international market conditions, the decision to maintain current prices was made in consideration of Sri Lanka’s economic situation.The current prices for Litro domestic LP Gas cylinders are as follows:• 12.5 kg cylinder: Rs. 3,690• 5 kg cylinder: Rs. 1,482• 2.3 kg cylinder: Rs. 694In contrast, Laugfs Gas has announced an increase in domestic LP Gas refill prices, effective from yesterday (Jan.01)Under the revised pricing,…

Australia batter Usman Khawaja said he is still battling “racial stereotypes” as he announced his retirement from international cricket.The 39-year-old will play his 88th Test in the Ashes finale against England starting on Sunday (23:30 GMT, Saturday) in Sydney, on the ground where he made his debut against the same opponents in 2011.Khawaja was born in Pakistan and became the first Muslim to play for Australia when he took the place of Ricky Ponting at the end of England’s 3-1 series win 15 years ago.“I’m a proud Muslim, coloured boy from Pakistan who was told he would never play for…

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 11 Indian fishermen for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.According to Navy Media Spokesperson Commander Buddika Sampath, the suspects were apprehended in the Karainagar sea area in Jaffna during a special search operation conducted last night (01).The Navy had also seized the vessel used by the fishermen, along with their fishing equipment.The arrested individuals have been taken to the Kankesanturai Navy Base and are scheduled to be handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) for further investigations.