Author: Buzzer Editorial

The “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme, initiated to restore the country following the damage caused by Cyclone “Ditwah,” has received a total of Rs. 1,893 million in funding from domestic sources, overseas Sri Lankans, and various institutions, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma has stated.The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance further mentioned that a discussion was held, led by the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka and attended by the heads of all insurance companies, to establish a compensation framework for businesses and properties damaged by the cyclone.During the discussion, it was…

Google Maps has commenced updating information pertaining Sri Lanka’s road network covering around 12,000 kilometers, Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake has stated.Accordingly, information pertaining to A, B, and C-class roads in Sri Lanka are expected to be updated.The initiative introduces six types of condition alerts, including lane closures and construction notices, to help travelers plan their journeys more efficiently.According to the Minister’s statement on X (formerly Twitter), the new feature is expected to reduce travel delays, improve route planning, and minimize unexpected congestion for road users. He further encouraged the public to check their Google Maps app for the latest updates…

A total of 50,222 tourists have arrived in the country thus far in December, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows.According to data released by the SLTDA, a total of 10,453 tourists have arrived from India which accounts to 21%. Furthermore, 5,420 persons from Russia, 4,822 from Germany, 3,823 from the United Kingdom and 2,627 French nationals have also visited Sri Lanka in the month of December.Meanwhile, the number of tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in 2025 has increased to 2,153,815 with the release of the latest figures for December.Among them, 485,249 individuals are from India, 195,565…

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that there will be no permission granted for unauthorized constructions within the Colombo District, nor any form of residential developments that endanger the public by carrying out under the guise of development agenda.The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the media at the conclusion of the Colombo District Disaster Management Committee meeting held on December 09 at the Colombo District Secretariat.Addressing further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:The Colombo District has become vulnerable to this extent due to the constructions carried out without any proper planning or understanding of regulations, along with personal…

The death toll due to the adverse weather conditions experienced in the country in the past few days has climbed to 635, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) has confirmed.The highest number of deaths have been reported from the Kandy District, accounting for 234.The DMC also confirmed that at least 192 individuals remain missing as search and relief operations continue across multiple districts.According to the latest data, a total of 1,776,103 individuals from 512,123 families in 25 districts have been affected by the effects of Cyclone “Ditwah”.The DMC also stated that 69,861 individuals from 22,218 families are currently sheltered in 690…

A consignment of humanitarian aid worth around Rs. 400 million, donated by China for the disaster-affected population in Sri Lanka, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake this morning (08) aboard a Chinese cargo aircraft.The Boeing 747-400 cargo freighter touched down at the Katunayake Airport at 10:47 a.m. today, having departed from Shanghai, said Ada Derana reporter.The relief items include inflatable lifejackets, tents, blankets, and bed sheets, with a total weight of 84,525 kilograms.A large delegation was present to receive the aid, including Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, and…

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has called on the Prime Minister to convene Parliament immediately to address the ongoing flood and landslide crisis affecting the country.In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rajapaksa stated that he has formally requested the Prime Minister to summon Parliament under Standing Order 16. He emphasized the urgent need for parliamentary oversight, noting that “people are suffering like never before, entire villages submerged, homes destroyed, families displaced, and children without food or clean water.”Highlighting the severity of the situation, Rajapaksa noted that many affected individuals are living in temporary shelters or…

The health sector of Sri Lanka has advised the general public to contact the National Institute of Mental Health, using the hotline 1926 for guidance, if they are experiencing mental stress following the recent disaster.Dr. Miyuru Chandradasa, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Teaching Hospital, Ragama, stated that it is common for individuals to experience psychological distress following such disasters, as these events can directly affect mental well-being.He explained that those experiencing stress should first recognise the problem and then work towards identifying appropriate solutions. Accordingly, Dr. Chandradasa further advised that individuals who are severely affected should seek medical assistance at…

Global Times – China’s foreign exchange reserves reached $3,346.4 billion at the end of November, up $3 billion from the end of October, marking a 0.09 percent increase, according to data released by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), which noted that China’s economy remains stable, supporting steady forex reserves.The nation’s gold holdings increased by 30,000 ounces month-on-month to 74.12 million ounces at the end of November, the 13th consecutive month of accumulation, according to the Securities Times.In November, influenced by macroeconomic data from major economies and monetary policy expectations, the US Dollar Index declined, while global financial asset prices…

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has submitted a set of recommended measures following an inspection of the landslide-affected area in Mahagiri Damba along the Hatton access route to the Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) pilgrimage site.According to the NBRO, six recommendations have been presented to the District Secretaries of Ratnapura and Nuwara Eliya, aimed at mitigating the current risk in the area.The organisation has also advised that access through this unstable zone via the Hatton entrance should be restricted under the current conditions until the recommendations are implemented.Furthermore, the NBRO strongly recommended that the respective District Secretaries ensure the area…