Latest News
14 killed after plane crashes in Brazilian Amazon

Fourteen people have been killed in a plane crash during bad weather in the Brazilian Amazon on Saturday.
The small propeller plane was nearing the end of its 400km (248 mile) trip between Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, and the remote jungle town of Barcelos when it went down.
Officials said all those on board – 12 passengers and two crew – were killed in the crash.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the incident.
Amazonas state security secretary Vinicius Almeida said initial information suggested the plane crashed after running out of runway when it descended into Barcelos during heavy rain and low visibility.
Brazilian news site G1 reported that the plane was an EMB-110, a twin-engine turboprop manufactured by Brazilian aircraft-maker Embraer.
According to G1, the plane’s owner, Manaus Aerotáxi, said the aircraft and its crew met all the necessary requirements to be flying. “Our teams have been on the ground responding since the moment of the crash to provide the necessary support,” Amazonas Governor Wilson Lima wrote on X (formerly Twitter) following the crash. “My solidarity and prayers to the victims’ family and friends.”
The mayor of Barcelos, Edson de Paula Rodrigues Mendes, told CNN the plane was chartered by a businessman who works locally in game fishing and the passengers were friends from other parts of Brazil who were involved in the sport.
Officials said the victims’ bodies would be taken to Manaus for formal identification.
Barcelos is a popular tourist destination as it lies close to several national parks. September is considered to be the start of the peak fishing season in Amazonas. The state is especially known for its various species of ornamental fish such as tucunaré – also known as peacock bass.
(BBC)
Business
Cabinet nod to celebrate centenary of Tea Research Institute from 9th November to 14th November 2025

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Facilities to hold the 26th Session of the Intergovernmental Group on Tea of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the 4th Annual Meeting of the Asian Tea Alliance to commemorate the Centenary Anniversary of the Tea Research Institute in Colombo from 9th November to 14th November in 2025 and to take necessary steps in that respect.
Latest News
Cabinet green light to establish the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of Sri Lanka (AAIBSL)

The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports ad Civil Aviation to prepare the relevant draft bill to establish the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of Sri Lanka (AAIBSL) in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Act No. 34 of 2002
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Elderly citizens to get 3% more interest for FDs

As proposed in the budget speech for the year 2025, the government has decided to implement a special fixed deposit scheme for senior citizens.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the President in his office as the Minister of Finance, Plan Implementation and Economic Development to implement the proposed special fixed deposit scheme as follows:
• To implement this scheme for fixed deposits opened within the period from 01.07.2025 to 31.12.2025 by Sri Lankan citizens of age 60 years or more.
• The period of the fixed deposit is 12 months (one year) and, the maximum deposit value is rupees one million.
• Payment of the higher value from the value when a 3% of additional annual amount to the average weighted fixed deposits rate (AWFDR) or the value when a 3% addition is made to the declared fixed deposit interest rate.
• Allocation of rupees 30 billion for payment of interest relief for this whole programme
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