April 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka witnessed a troubling number of fatal road incidents during the recent New Year travel period, with police reporting dozens of accidents and a significant loss of life over several days.

According to traffic authorities, a total of 42 serious crashes were recorded between April 10 and 15, resulting in 44 fatalities nationwide. A notable concentration of these incidents occurred during the peak festive dates of April 13, 14 and 15, when 19 separate accidents claimed an equal number of lives.

Motorcycles were identified as the most frequently involved vehicles, accounting for a substantial share of the crashes. Other incidents involved three-wheelers, vans, cars, cabs and bicycles, while at least one fatality stemmed from a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian. Officials also observed that many of the collisions took place on rural roads and during late-night hours, when visibility and driver alertness tend to be reduced.

Despite the grim figures, authorities pointed out a modest improvement compared to the previous year’s New Year period, which saw a higher number of both accidents and fatalities. However, they cautioned that the decline remains marginal and does little to offset the overall risks on the roads.

Police have attributed a large proportion of the crashes to reckless behaviour, particularly driving under the influence of alcohol. In response, they have reiterated the need for stricter enforcement and greater public awareness, urging motorists to act responsibly, especially during holiday seasons when traffic volumes surge.

April 16, Colombo (LNW): Three Sri Lankan leopard cubs born at the Singapore Zoo have made their long-awaited public debut, drawing attention from wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

The cubs—two males and a female—arrived on New Year’s Day and mark a significant milestone for the facility. They are the first Sri Lankan leopards to be born at the zoo, with the previous successful breeding of the species in Singapore having taken place decades ago at the Night Safari.

The trio are the first offspring of their parents, Yala and Asanka, following years of careful planning to establish a compatible breeding pair.

Now on display at the zoo’s Wild Africa zone, the cubs have quickly become a highlight for visitors. For a limited period, they can be seen daily alongside their mother before transitioning to a more structured viewing schedule in the weeks ahead.

Wildlife specialists involved in the programme described the birth as a rewarding breakthrough after years of international coordination. Early observations suggest the cubs are already developing distinct temperaments—the males appearing relatively calm, while the female has shown a more spirited and curious nature.

Health checks conducted shortly after birth confirmed the cubs are in strong condition. They have since undergone routine vaccinations and preventive treatments to ensure their continued well-being.

Globally, Sri Lankan leopards remain a vulnerable species, with fewer than a thousand believed to survive in the wild. The successful birth of these cubs is therefore seen as an encouraging step for conservation efforts and genetic diversity within managed wildlife populations.

April 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has confirmed that the main administrative office of the state-linked Lanka Coal Company will remain under seal as inquiries continue into historical coal procurement practices.

Officials stated that while the premises are not fully accessible, limited entry is being permitted strictly for essential administrative functions. Any such activity is being closely monitored, with CID personnel present on-site to oversee proceedings and ensure that no records are tampered with.

The office, situated in Kohuwala, was secured earlier this month after a formal complaint from the Presidential Secretariat called for a far-reaching investigation into coal import transactions spanning more than a decade. Authorities believe the probe could shed light on potential irregularities in procurement processes dating back to 2009.

Security around the building has been significantly heightened, with a round-the-clock police presence supplemented by CID officers tasked with maintaining control of the location. Investigators are reportedly focusing on documentation and financial records as they piece together details of past transactions.

Sources indicate that the restrictions will remain in place until preliminary findings are completed, with further legal or administrative action likely depending on the outcome of the inquiry.

April 16, Colombo (LNW): Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) suppliers have recommenced distribution across the country following a brief pause during the New Year holiday period, signalling a return to normalcy in household energy supplies.

One major distributor confirmed that a substantial consignment—amounting to several thousand metric tonnes—has been released to the market via key storage terminals, with deliveries already under way to meet renewed consumer demand. Industry sources noted that logistical operations had been scaled back temporarily over the festive break but were swiftly reactivated.

Meanwhile, another leading supplier has also resumed its regular distribution schedule, assuring the public that inventories remain robust. Company officials indicated that existing reserves are sufficient to maintain consistent supply well into May, easing concerns over potential shortages.

With both major players restoring full operations, authorities and distributors alike have emphasised that LPG availability is expected to remain stable in the coming weeks, with no anticipated disruptions to distribution networks nationwide.

April 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s national human rights watchdog has ruled that the arrest and subsequent suspension of former Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya were carried out in breach of his fundamental rights, raising concerns over due process within state institutions.

In its findings, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) observed that the manner in which Upuldeniya was taken into custody failed to comply with established legal procedures. It further determined that his removal from official duties lacked a lawful basis, suggesting procedural lapses at multiple levels of authority.

Recommendations issued by the Commission in late March call for a thorough review of the conduct of senior investigative officials. The Inspector General of Police and the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security have been instructed to assess the role played by the Criminal Investigation Department’s leadership and to take corrective action where necessary. Separately, the Ministry of Justice has been urged to re-examine the process through which the suspension was enforced.

The Commission has also stressed the importance of reinforcing legal safeguards, directing that a formal circular be issued to all relevant authorities reminding them to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions when carrying out arrests or disciplinary measures.

The inquiry was initiated following a complaint filed by Upuldeniya’s spouse in mid-2025, who alleged that her husband had been unjustly targeted and removed from office without proper justification, resulting in reputational harm and personal distress.

Upuldeniya had been taken into custody earlier that year in connection with allegations surrounding the release of an inmate from Anuradhapura Prison during the Vesak period. After being remanded, he was later granted bail under strict conditions, including restrictions on travel and access to prison facilities.

Concluding its review, the Commission held that the actions taken against him infringed constitutional protections relating to equality before the law and personal liberty. It has instructed the relevant authorities to implement its recommendations and report back by the end of April, underscoring the need for greater accountability and procedural integrity in the future.

April 16, Colombo (LNW): Private bus operators across the island have begun scaling up services, with around half to three-fifths of the fleet expected to be on the roads from today, according to industry representatives.

Officials from the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association indicated that a full return to normal operations is likely by tomorrow as travel demand steadily improves following the festive period.

Association leadership noted that passenger turnout remained unusually low yesterday, despite it being a working day. Many buses reportedly ran with minimal occupancy, reflecting a slower-than-anticipated return of commuters after the New Year break.

In parallel, railway authorities have taken steps to strengthen train operations in response to the gradual rise in passenger movement. The Department of Railways confirmed that an expanded timetable is in effect from today, with roughly 120 train journeys planned.

Regular office trains are continuing to run during peak morning and evening hours to accommodate daily commuters. In addition, several supplementary services have been organised to manage increased travel over the coming days. Among them are special trains operating along the southern line, including services to and from Matara, particularly timed to cater to weekend travellers returning after the holidays.