Associated Motorways (Pvt) Ltd (AMW), the exclusive authorized distributor for Nissan in Sri Lanka, has officially unveiled the All-New Nissan GRAVITE. This bold, game-changing 7-seater MPV enters the market at an attractive introductory price starting from LKR 6.99 million, marking a decisive milestone in Nissan’s product offensive and brand resurgence following the success of the top-selling Nissan Magnite. Purpose-built to meet the evolving mobility needs of modern Sri Lankan families, the GRAVITE blends versatility and everyday practicality with a commanding road presence.

 Atul Aggarwal, Director Aftersales and South Asia Business, Nissan Motor Co Ltd, said, “Sri Lanka is central to our South Asia business operations and our brand actions over the past year has strengthened through expanding network and product plans. Introduction of the All-New Nissan Gravite is another step towards our commitment to the Sri Lankan market. We are certain that it will mark the beginning of our sustained growth phase, welcoming newer customers to the growing Nissan family in the country”.

 Jawahar Ganesh, Managing Director, Associated Motorways (Pvt) Ltd (AMW), Sri Lanka said, “The All-New Nissan GRAVITE is inspired by the diversity, scale and ambition of Sri Lankan families. Every detail – from its modular seating to its commanding stance – reflects how Sri Lankan customers live, travel and grow together. For us, GRAVITE is more than a product introduction. It is a promise – that Nissan & AMW will continue to bring in vehicles that truly resonate with Sri Lanka’s mobility aspirations”.

 The vehicle establishes a distinct visual identity aligned with Nissan’s global design language, featuring elevated proportions, muscular body lines, and high ground clearance. It stands out as the only vehicle in its segment to feature distinctive hood branding and unique rear-door badging, reinforced by Nissan’s signature C-shaped design integration at the front and rear for instant brand recognition. Practical exterior elements include all-round LED treatment, signature headlamps with integrated DRLs, Crystal Edge tail lamps, functional roof rails, and wide-opening doors.

 Inside, the GRAVITE redefines family travel with exceptional cabin roominess and pioneering modularity, offering flexible configurations for 2 to 7 occupants. Easily removable third-row seats expand the cargo space to a segment-leading 625 liters in a 5-seater configuration, or 320 liters and 84 liters for 6 and 7-seater setups respectively. Premium suede and leatherette quilted seats, best-in-class storage compartments, a cooled center console, and a tropicalized AC system with 3-row vents and separate second-row controls ensure premium comfort across all rows.

 Modern technology and driving confidence are heavily integrated, featuring a floating 20.32 cm Infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 17.78 cm fully Digital Advanced Multi-Functional Cluster, and a wireless charger. Convenience is elevated by advanced features such as Auto LED Headlamps with a “follow me home” function, Walk Away Lock (WAL), Approach Unlock (AUL), and front and rear parking sensors.

 Safety remains a core pillar with over 30 standard features, including 6 Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill-Start Assist (HSA), Brake Assist System (BAS), and ABS with EBD. The GRAVITE is powered by an efficient 1.0L, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine calibrated for smooth acceleration and predictable performance, generating exactly 72PS of power at 6250 rpm and 96Nm of peak torque at 3400-3600 rpm. Paired with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed EZ-shift AMT, it achieves an impressive fuel economy of 19.6 km/l for the AT variant and 19.3 km/l for the MT variant.

 For a limited period, a curated Launch Edition will be available, offering premium JBL speakers, a dual dash cam, an air purifier, ambient mood lighting, and distinctive aesthetic upgrades like C-shaped aero accents, wheel arch aero inserts, and drift flow graphics. Introductory pricing opens today at LKR 6,990,000 for the VISIA, LKR 8,190,000 for the N-CONNECTA AMT, and LKR 8,590,000 for the TEKNA AMT. This pivotal launch establishes a strong foundation for sustained growth across AMW’s expanding dealer network in Tier II and Tier III cities, hinting at a confident future multi-segment offensive that includes the upcoming Tekton C-SUV in mid-2026 and a 7-seater C-SUV in early 2027.

The 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Ceremony was held with solemn dignity at the War Heroes Monument in Battaramulla on Thursday, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The ceremony drew tri-forces commanders, senior military officials and families of fallen servicemen, as the nation paused to honour those who laid down their lives in defence of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) joined the national tribute, marking the contribution of cadets who perished during the three-decade-long conflict. The event served as a sombre reminder of the human cost of war, with organisers highlighting the youthful courage and sacrifice of unnamed cadets whose service remains embedded in the country’s post-war memory.

Director of the NCC Major General APCR Premathilake laid a floral wreath at the monument in honour of the fallen heroes.

Adding a symbolic dimension to the ceremony, Corps Regimental Sergeant Major (Boys Cadet) E. Edwin Anorishan of Jaffna Hindu College and Corps Regimental Sergeant Major (Girls Cadet) HMJCS Herath of Bandarawela Central College also placed floral tributes.

A controversy has erupted over the disappearance of an ancient lightning conductor from the historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office, with activists alleging political interference and a delayed police investigation into what they describe as a major heritage theft.

The Nuwara Eliya Protection Organization has accused police of failing to act swiftly after the disappearance of the copper-linked lightning conductor at the iconic colonial-era building, which is also a protected archaeological site. Speaking at a press briefing held last Wednesday, representatives Gayan Chaturanga Wijayabandara and Nalaka Dinesh Ratnayake said the Postmistress of Nuwara Eliya had lodged a complaint with police on April 10, 2026, after discovering that the copper strip connected to the lightning conductor had been severed and the device was missing. The Department of Archaeology had issued an official directive to police on April 29, calling for a full investigation into the incident.

Despite these developments, the group alleged that no meaningful progress had been made in court or through investigative channels. The site had been gazetted as a protected archaeological monument on February 23, 2007, and warned that any unauthorised removal of artefacts was a serious offence under the Antiquities Ordinance.

Activists also raised concerns over the timing of alleged development activities at the site, contrasting it with earlier attempts to prevent commercial interventions, which they said had faced public resistance.

They claimed the missing artefact could have a black-market value of between Rs. 5 billion and Rs. 10 billion, and questioned how such a theft could occur without prompt arrests.

However, Nuwara Eliya Police Crimes Division OIC Inspector Indunil Premalal rejected claims of inaction, saying the investigation was proceeding in a systematic and transparent manner.

By SK Samaranayake