Author: Buzzer Editorial

The newly appointed Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Sri Lanka, Shannon Cowlin and the ADB delegation have held discussions with the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office.Welcoming the delegation, the Prime Minister extended congratulations to the newly appointed Country Director and acknowledged the long-standing partnership with the Asian Development Bank, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for ADB’s continued engagement and support aligned with Sri Lanka’s national development priorities.She further conveyed gratitude for the timely assistance extended by ADB in response to Cyclone Ditwah, noting the…

Four Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, and six other individuals, have been granted bail by the Trincomalee High Court.On February 09, the Trincomalee Magistrate ordered that the ten suspects, including Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero be further remanded until today (11) in relation to the incident.They were arrested in connection with the incident of placing a Buddha statue at the Trincomalee Bodhiraja Viharaya on November 16, 2025 in violation of coastal conservation laws.A case was then filed based on a complaint filed by the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management, alleging that an unauthorised structure was erected and…

South Africa and Afghanistan played out one of the most memorable matches in the T20 World Cup history with the Proteas edging past their opponents after two super overs in Ahmedabad.After the first super over was tied, David Miller’s 16 from four balls helped South Africa post 23-0 in the second one before Afghanistan fell four runs short in a remarkable game, which was decided by the finest of margins.South Africa posted 187‑6 after half-centuries from Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton but Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 84 from 42 and cameos from Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan, who added 22 and…

Former Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake has been further remanded until February 18 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.The case stems from a complaint filed against former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, alleging the misappropriation of more than Rs. 16.2 million in public funds. It is alleged that the funds were used to finance a private foreign visit to attend his wife’s graduation ceremony in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2023.Ekanayake has been arrested and remanded in custody on suspicion of aiding and abetting the offence by approving over Rs. 1.62 billion for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to undertake the said…

The Election Commission has commenced the data collection process for the revision of the electoral register, the Commissioner General of Elections, Rasika Peiris stated.The Commissioner General said February 1 has been set as the qualifying date.Accordingly, individuals who turn 18 on or before February 1 and have confirmed residence in the relevant area will be eligible for inclusion in the electoral register.Commissioner General of Elections Rasika Peiris stated that the commission will follow an updated system for 2026, combining door-to-door data collection with procedures for additions and removals. Accordingly, those who reach the age of 18 and individuals who have…

Twelve individuals, who were found guilty over the murder of former Polonnaruwa District Member of Parliament Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security officer in 2022, have been sentenced to death.The sentence was pronounced by the Gampaha High Court Trial-at-Bar after a lengthy hearing.Another four individuals have been handed six-month sentences suspended for five years.Furthermore, 23 other accused were acquitted by the Gampaha High Court Trial-at-Bar.Suspects in the case filed over the assault and killing of former Member of Parliament Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security officer were produced before the Gampaha High Court Trial-at-Bar, this morning.On 14 January, the Gampaha High Court…

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to gazette and present in Parliament the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill following clearance given to proposed changes by the Attorney General. The Cabinet granted approval to introduce amendments to the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017 last year.Accordingly, amendments incorporate proposed tax reforms aimed at improving the tax system to facilitate revenue-based fiscal consolidation.The amended Bill has been drafted by the Legal Draftsman and has received clearance from the Attorney General.The Cabinet of Ministers has now approved the proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning,…

The Chief Prelate of the Kotte Sri Kalayani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of Siyam Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Thero has raised concern over the arrest and continuous remand of ten individuals, including Buddhist monks, in relation to the Buddha statue incident in Trincomalee.Accordingly, the Chief Prelate has addressed a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.The letter expresses concern over the remanding of ten individuals, including Buddhist monks, in connection with the Trincomalee incident.The letter further states that the monks had placed the Buddha statue on a plot of land historically protected by ancient kings and dedicated…

A group of Buddhist monks is set to reach Washington, D.C., on foot Tuesday, capping a trek from Texas that has captivated the country.The monks in their saffron robes have become fixtures on social media, along with their rescue dog Aloka.They walk to advocate for peace. That simple message has resonated across the U.S. as a welcome respite from conflict and political divisions. Thousands have gathered along Southern roadsides to watch the monks’ quiet, single-file procession that began in late October.“My hope is, when this walk ends, the people we met will continue practicing mindfulness and find peace,” said the…

The Constitutional Council has called for nominations from civil society organisations to fill a vacancy arising under Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act No. 12 of 2016, for recommendation to the President for appointment as a member of the Right to Information Commission.According to a statement issued by the Department of Communication of Parliament, under Section 12(2)(a)(i) of the Act, members of the Commission must be individuals who have distinguished themselves in public life and possess proven knowledge, experience, and eminence in fields such as law, governance, public administration, social services, journalism, science and technology, or management.Further,…