Indian Prime Minister – Narendra Modi has arrived in Sri Lanka for a two-day official visit, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake. 

PM Modi’s official X handle states, ” Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, along with Minister of Health and Mass Media – Nalinda Jayatissa,  Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic  and Ocean Resources – Ramalingam Chandrasekar,  Minister of Women and Child Affairs – Saroja Savithri Paulraj,  Minister of Science and Technology – Chrishantha Abeysena and Deputy Minister of Economic Development  – Anil Jayantha  extended a warm and distinguished welcome to the Indian Prime Minister and his delegation.  

The Indian Prime Minister is accompanied by India’s Minister of External Affairs – Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor – Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary – Vikram Misri and other senior government officials.

PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka is being conducted under the theme “Friendship of Centuries – Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” reaffirming the enduring bond between Sri Lanka and India and their shared commitment to a thriving future.

This marks Indian Prime Minister’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, highlighting the longstanding economic, cultural and historical ties between the two nations. The primary objectives of this State visit are to further strengthen bilateral ties and to enhance multifaceted cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.    

During this visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Anura Kumara Disanayake. He is also  scheduled to pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and will inaugurate several projects implemented in Sri Lanka with the assistance of the Government of India.

The Supreme Court rejected a bail application filed on behalf of former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya,  who is currently in remand custody for contempt of court.The decision was delivered by Supreme Court Justice Achala Wengappuli, with the concurrence of Justices Preethi Padman Surasena and Gamini Amarasekara.

Delivering the decision, the judge stated that a date has already been set for the hearing of the case on May 8.

On September 25, 2024, the Supreme Court ordered Harsha Ilukpitiya to be remanded until the conclusion of the contempt of court proceedings for failing to implement the Court’s order regarding the controversial visa deal. This order was issued against the respondent under Section 9(7) of the Contempt of Court, Tribunal, or Institution Act No. 08 of 2024.

An inmate being held under remand custody at the Boossa High-Security Prison, has been murdered using a sharp weapon.

The deceased inmate has been identified as Nanda Kumar Shivananda (46) and according to reports, he had sustained 11 stab wounds.

Prison authorities suspect that the murder was carried out by another inmate currently serving a prison sentence at the same prison facility,