April 06, Colombo (LNW): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to conclude his official visit to Sri Lanka with a significant stop in the ancient city of Anuradhapura today (06).

The visit, his first since 2019, comes at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and represents a renewed chapter in Indo-Lanka relations following a period of political transition in Colombo.

Prime Minister Modi will visit the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, one of the most venerated sites in Buddhism, where he is expected to participate in religious observances alongside President Dissanayake.

The presence of the two leaders at this deeply symbolic site underlines the shared cultural and spiritual heritage that binds the two nations.

Later in the day, the two heads of state will jointly unveil the newly modernised railway signalling system at Anuradhapura Railway Station. This upgrade, supported through Indian development assistance, forms part of a broader initiative to revitalise Sri Lanka’s railway infrastructure.

Also being inaugurated is the improved Maho-Omanthai railway line—another key milestone in the bilateral cooperation between the countries.

Over the past three days, the Indian Prime Minister has engaged in a wide range of diplomatic and developmental initiatives aimed at consolidating ties across strategic sectors.

High-level talks between Modi and Dissanayake were held at the Presidential Secretariat, where the leaders explored avenues to strengthen collaboration in defence, renewable energy, digital connectivity, trade, and infrastructure.

Several bilateral agreements were signed during the visit, including a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation. A notable highlight was the trilateral agreement between India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates, which paves the way for transforming Trincomalee into a regional energy hub—a project expected to have long-term implications for the energy security of the island.

India also extended its support for key developmental and cultural initiatives, including the rollout of 5,000 solar rooftop units across Sri Lanka, the commencement of the 120 MW Sampur Solar Power Project, and the restoration and development of historic religious sites such as the Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee.

The two leaders jointly launched these projects in a virtual ceremony, further reinforcing the emphasis on energy sustainability and cultural diplomacy.

Modi’s arrival on 4 April was marked by a ceremonial reception at Independence Square, making him the first foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka since President Dissanayake assumed office in late 2024.

His visit has been viewed as a signal of India’s firm commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and long-term stability in the wake of past fiscal challenges.

To accommodate today’s high-level programme, several roads in Anuradhapura will experience temporary closures. Motorists are advised to expect limited access to key routes including the Anuradhapura Air Force Base Road, areas surrounding the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the railway station, and prominent intersections like Harischandra Junction and the Hospital Roundabout. Road closures are expected to be in effect between 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and residents are encouraged to use alternative routes to minimise delays.

April 06, Colombo (LNW): The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has voiced deep alarm following the death of a young man who died in police custody under distressing circumstances during the early hours of April 02, 2025, whilst being held at the Welikada Police Station.

Initial reports suggest that the youth had sustained fatal injuries allegedly inflicted upon himself whilst in custody. However, questions have been raised regarding the mental state of the individual at the time, and whether appropriate precautions were taken by the authorities.

Following his injury, the detainee was transferred to the Mulleriyawa Hospital, where he later succumbed to his wounds.

Rajeev Amarasuriya, President of the BASL, issued a strongly worded statement expressing the Association’s serious concern over the incident and its wider implications for police accountability and public confidence in the justice system.

He urged that the Acting Inspector General of Police initiate an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation to ascertain the true circumstances leading to the young man’s death.

Amarasuriya further highlighted that the BASL has, for many years, raised repeated concerns over law enforcement practices in Sri Lanka, emphasising the need for professionalism, restraint, and a commitment to upholding basic rights, particularly in custodial settings.

“When lives are lost in custody, especially under questionable conditions, it raises serious concerns about the state’s commitment to the rule of law,” he stated.

The incident is yet another addition to a troubling pattern of custodial deaths across the country, which the BASL claims continue unabated despite persistent calls for reform.

The Association expressed its disappointment at the failure of the authorities to implement concrete safeguards and ensure accountability in such cases.

According to Amarasuriya, the recurrence of such tragedies risks fostering a dangerous perception that impunity exists within the law enforcement system.

He cautioned that unless decisive action is taken, the public may lose faith in the institutions meant to protect them. “A state that fails to prevent custodial deaths, or delays justice for those affected, effectively sends the message that violations of rights carry no consequence,” he warned.

The BASL reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive zero-tolerance approach to custodial deaths and offered its cooperation to work with the police and other state institutions on reforms and training programmes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Association also called on civil society and international partners to continue engaging on these issues, stressing that the safeguarding of human rights within custodial environments is a fundamental obligation of any democratic society.

April 06, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island during the afternoon or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (06).

Showers may occur in the coastal areas of Western and Southern provinces and in Puttalam, Mannar, Jaffna and Ampara districts in the morning too.

Fairly heavy rainfall of above 75 mm are likely at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North-central, Southern and Eastern provinces.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Northern and North-central provinces during the morning.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

The Department also announced the sun’s position against the earth, stating that on the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka during 05^th to 14^th of April in this year.

The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (06^th) are Kaluthara, Kelinkanda, Kahawaththa, Pokunutenna and Mahawelatota at about 12:12 noon, the announcement further said.

Marine Weather:

OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. The celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery.

Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing. Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the realities and challenges facing our ocean as never-before-seen, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching.

Yet the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough pointing to inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen. Screening in cinemas with theatrically exclusive footage.

With India factoring in as one of the world’s largest whisky-consuming nations, it’s only fitting that the price range for the amber spirit — both homegrown and imported expressions available in the country — is deliciously eclectic. For instance, the nation’s number-one selling usquebaugh (as of 2025) is McDowell’s No. 1 Luxury Premium Whisky priced at Rs 640, while its most expensive local expression is the Rampur Signature Reserve, which costs Rs 5 lakh a bottle. However, even this ostentatious amount is almost negligible when compared to the most expensive whiskies in the world, many of which have been auctioned for crores worth of rupees. Collectors, bookmark this top five list.

World’s most rare and expensive whisky selections — Emerald Isle Collection (Rs 17 Crore), The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60-Year-Old (Rs 16 Crore) & more

1. The Emerald Isle Collection – US $2 million (Rs 17 crore)

Hailing from the Bushmills distillery, also the world’s oldest distillery comes this collection of two oldest triple distilled Irish whiskey bottles culminating into one extravagant gift pack. The pack is created by The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. and Fabergé. Apart from the whiskey, the box also holds a Fabergé Celtic Egg handcrafted with emerald and 18-karat gold, a 22k gold timepiece and a Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva cigar with gold-plated cutter. Interestingly, the money earned from this sale was sent to charity.

2. The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60-Year-Old – US$1.9 million (Rs 16 crore)

This gift collection comes with not one but two bottles of fine whiskey. However, even if the added quantity is a factor in the pricing, it takes nothing away from the seniority of the spirit. Pop artists Peter Blake and Valerio Adami designed the labels for a limited edition of 24 bottles and one of the bottles was even hand-painted by Irish artist Michael Dillon. Sotheby’s also called the 1926 fine the “holy grail” of whiskey. The collection was auctioned for a whopping US$1.9 million (Rs 16 crore). It is believed that the buyer consumed one of the whiskey bottles and did not even open the second one–it was only added to their collection.

3. Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection – US$120,000 (Rs 1 crore)

Distilled for a long period of 64 years, the Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection is a true work of art. It was bottled in 2001, which means the distillation process began in 1937, before WWII. By 2001, there was only enough stunning whiskey to fill up 61 bottles, hence birthing a super rare brand. The whisky is priced at a whopping US$120,000 (Rs 88,82,460).

4. Yamazaki 55-year-old – Cost: USD 60,000 – (Rs 51 lakh)

From the birthplace of Japanese whisky, the Yamazaki 55-Year-Old is a blend of precious single malts distilled in 1960 under the supervision of Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii and then aged in Mizunara casks; and in 1964 under Suntory’s Second Master Blender Keizo Saji and then aged in White Oak casks. Suntory’s Fifth-Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo worked closely with Third-Generation Master Blender Shingo Torii in deploying their signature art of blending to reveal the exceptional depth, complexity matured for more than 55 years and is the House of Suntory’s oldest release in its history.

5. Dalmore 1964 Constellation collection – US$60,000 (Rs 51 lakh)

This one is once again a collection of whiskey bottles, the rarest and vintage ones ever created by The Dalmore, known as The Dalmore Constellation Collection. Created between 1964 and 1992, these whiskies have been aged for 46 years. Flavoured with notes of orchard fruit and cinnamon spice, these whiskies, created by Dalmore’s master distiller Richard Patterson, are priced at US$60,000.

GQ INDIA

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has seized 12 vehicles in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal registration practices at the Department of Motor Traffic. According to CIABOC, the vehicles were registered without going through the required Customs release procedures, suggesting potential corruption and violations of official protocols.

The seized vehicles include a variety of high-end models, such as one Jeep, six Mitsubishi Montero Jeeps, three Toyota Jeeps, one Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and one Nissan Double Cab.

CIABOC officials have initiated scientific and technical investigations to determine the methods used to bypass regulations and to evaluate the financial impact of these irregularities on the state. The investigation is ongoing.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met with EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Carmen Moreno, to discuss maximizing the benefits of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in the wake of the recent reciprocal tariffs imposed on Sri Lanka by the United States.

In a statement shared on social media platform ‘X’, Premadasa underscored the urgency of leveraging existing trade partnerships to safeguard Sri Lanka’s export sector and expand market access.

“With GSP+ access already in place, the question is, are we making full use of it? As US tariffs loom, we must engage partners like the EU not just to manage risks, but to unlock new export opportunities. Sri Lanka must act, not wait,” Premadasa stated.

The Opposition Leader emphasised that proactive engagement with the EU is vital as Sri Lanka navigates increasing global trade uncertainties.

Speaking to Indian media, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the urgent need to finalise the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) between Sri Lanka and India, in light of the recent reciprocal tariffs imposed on Sri Lankan exports.

Wickremesinghe highlighted that Sri Lanka can no longer rely solely on traditional export markets like the United States and the European Union, which are increasingly adopting protectionist trade measures. He emphasised that ETCA must be completed by the end of 2025, urging the government to accelerate the process.

“We were relying on the US and others. But you can see how the US trade policies are now, the US as a market will not be that open,” he said. “We don’t know what will happen with the EU either, because we are depending solely on these for our apparel markets.”

The former President also called for the immediate operationalisation of existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Singapore and Thailand and reaffirmed the importance of Sri Lanka’s bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

He argued that Sri Lanka must adopt a new trade strategy that includes diversifying its export base beyond apparel. “Apparel alone may not be enough. We have to go into new areas and develop new products,” he said.

Wickremesinghe concluded that Sri Lanka’s economic resilience in the current global environment hinges on strategic trade partnerships and a forward-looking trade policy.

The 2025 Local Government Elections will proceed as scheduled on May 6, according to R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, Chairman of the National Election Commission.

Rathnayake stated that the Commission will comply with court rulings, as several petitions have been filed concerning the rejection of nomination papers. He confirmed that the printing of polling cards and ballot papers for areas not affected by legal proceedings has already begun.

Earlier today, the Court of Appeal directed Returning Officers to accept nearly 37 previously rejected nomination papers. The ruling was delivered by a two-member Appeals Court bench, comprising Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar and Justice K.P. Fernando. The decision followed writ petitions filed by political parties and independent groups, including the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance, challenging rejections from multiple local government bodies, notably the Colombo Municipal Council.

The Court of Appeal had earlier paused election-related activities for the Colombo Municipal Council and other contested bodies, pending today’s decision.

In a separate development, the Supreme Court rejected 53 writ petitions and six fundamental rights petitions filed by political entities and individuals contesting the rejection of their nomination papers. These were dismissed without being taken up for consideration.

Rathnayake, while refraining from commenting on the specific rulings, announced that polling cards will be dispatched to Post Offices starting April 16. Voter distribution will take place from April 17 to April 29. He added that necessary instructions have been issued to the Government Printer for the timely production of all required election materials.

A special meeting is scheduled at the Election Secretariat next week, where all Secretaries of Ministries, heads of government institutions, and statutory boards have been summoned. The focus of the meeting will be on enforcing the gazette related to preventing the misuse of state resources during the election period.

Oil prices plunged by 8% on Friday, heading for their lowest close since the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021, as China responded to a barrage of U.S. tariffs with steep retaliatory measures, intensifying fears of a global trade war.

In a sharp counter to U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs, China announced it will impose additional levies of 34% on all U.S. goods starting April 10. The move comes amid a wave of global retaliation against what many nations view as protectionist U.S. trade policy, triggering widespread turmoil across international financial markets.

Brent crude futures fell by $5.30, or 7.6%, to $64.84 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures dropped $5.47, or 8.2%, to $61.48. Both benchmarks were on course for their largest weekly percentage losses in over two years.

“China’s aggressive countermove to U.S. tariffs all but confirms we are heading towards a global trade war; a war that has no winners and which will hurt economic growth and demand for key commodities such as crude oil and refined products,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.

Contributing to the oil market rout was OPEC+’s decision to expedite its oil production ramp-up. The group, comprising the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, announced plans to increase output by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May—far exceeding the previously planned 135,000 bpd.

“The timing is frankly amazing,” said industry analyst Phil Evans, pointing to the double impact of trade tensions and supply increases.

While imports of oil, gas and refined products have been exempted from President Trump’s sweeping tariffs, analysts caution that the broader trade policies could drive inflation, stifle global economic growth, and deepen trade disputes—further weighing on oil prices.

In response to the latest developments, Goldman Sachs lowered its December 2025 price targets for Brent and WTI by $5 each to $66 and $62, respectively. “The risks to our reduced oil price forecast are to the downside, especially for 2026, given growing risks of recession and to a lesser extent of higher OPEC+ supply,” said Daan Struyven, the bank’s head of oil research, in a note.