Author: Buzzer Editorial

The annual budget of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has been passed with a majority of two votes.The budget proposal received 58 votes in favour, while 56 councilors voted against it, Ada Derana reporter said.When the 2026 budget proposal of the Colombo Municipal Council was first presented to the council on December 22, 60 councilors voted against it while 57 members voted for the budget.At the last Local Government Elections, the NPP secured power in the CMC and its mayoral candidate Vraie Cally Balthazar was elected as the Mayor of Colombo by securing 61 votes.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewe has lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).The complaint has been filed after the newly printed Grade 6 English language module as part of the education reforms, contained a reference to an inappropriate website.Speaking to media, Secretary Kaluwewe stated that it is suspected that an external party had conspiratorially made this inclusion.He further said that the CID has been requested to immediately investigate the individuals responsible for carrying out such an unauthorized act.However, Secretary Kaluwewe clarified that this is not the final printed version, and that ultimate responsibility lies…

Former Minister Dullas Alahapperuma has directed a letter to US President Donald Trump seeking a reduction in tariffs on Sri Lankan imports from the current levels to 12% for a period of one year.In his letter, former Minister Alahapperuma has also extended his gratitude for the generous and timely assistance provided by the United States government in response to the devastating Cyclone Ditwah.The $2 million in emergency aid, along with the deployment of military airlift capabilities to deliver essential relief supplies, has been instrumental in supporting the ongoing relief efforts amid the unprecedented natural disaster, the former Minister stated in…

Investigations have been initiated to arrest former Minister Johnston Fernando in connection with allegations that a Lanka Sathosa-owned lorry was misused, resulting in a financial loss to the Government.However, reports indicate that although investigations are underway to arrest the former minister, the police have so far been unable to ascertain his whereabouts.Accordingly, it is further reported that five police teams have been deployed to carry out investigations to arrest him.Meanwhile, Johan Fernando, the son of former Minister Johnston Fernando, was arrested today by the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).The FCID commenced investigations following a complaint alleging that, during the…

The final rites of ‘Queen of Sri Lankan music’ Kalasoori Latha Walpola is scheduled to be performed with state patronage this evening (31) at the Borella General Cemetery.The legendary singer passed away on December 27 at the age of 91.The remains of the late singer lie in state at a private parlour in Borella and is scheduled to be taken to Independence Square, Colombo 07, at 10.00 a.m. today.The mortal remains of the late singer Latha Walpola will be placed at the premises of the Independence Square, in Colombo, for the general public to pay their respects from 10.00 a.m.…

Sri Lanka Police have decided to implement a special traffic and security plan to minimise traffic congestion in and around Colombo and ensure public safety.In a statement, the Police headquarters stated that a large number of people and vehicles are expected to arrive in Colombo from various parts to celebrate the New Year 2026, particularly around the Galle Face Green area.Accordingly, heavy traffic congestion is anticipated within the Colombo city limits, especially in the Fort, Pettah, Slave Island, Maradana, Colpetty, Bambalapitiya and Cinnamon Gardens police divisions.Police noted that although traffic will operate as usual in these areas, in the event…

A Presidential Commission of Inquiry has been appointed to investigate, examine, and report on alleged corruption and irregularities said to have taken place at the Colombo Municipal Council.Accordingly, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has named former High Court Judge Piyasena Ranasinghe, Chartered Accountant E. R. M. S. H. Ekanayake and former Senior Superintendent of Police D. S. Wickramasinghe as members of the Commission. The Gazette extraordinary in this regard has been issued under the signature of the Secretary to the President.The Commission has been mandated to investigate alleged acts of corruption, fraud, criminal breach of trust, and criminal misappropriation of property that…

The Ministry of Defence has issued a statement on renewing the firearms licenses of individuals and institutions for 2026.Although the timeframe granted to renew firearm licenses for next which commenced on September 01, 2025, was scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2025, the deadline has been extended.The Defence Ministry noted that considering the disaster situation in the country, the timeframe granted to renew firearm licenses for next year has been extended till January 31, 2026.

The support of the government of China has been sought to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Sri Lanka.The proposal was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this morning (29). The Ambassador has welcomed the initiative and agreed to relay the request to the Chinese government, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The proposal comes as Sri Lanka is gearing to import electric vehicles in large quantities from the global automobile market, including China. Minister Vijitha Herath emphasized that…

Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura has been appointed as the new media spokesperson of the Sri Lanka Air Force.He has assumed duties in his role with effect from December 26, the Sri Lanka Air Force said in a statement.