News

Krrish project : Prasanna calls for speedy measures

Published

2 years ago

July 19, 2023

editor

Minister of Urban Development and Housing – Mr. Prasanna Ranatunga has instructed ministry officials and the Urban Development Authority to expedite necessary measures to safeguard the public from the possibility of an accident in the area where the halted Colombo Krish building project is located.

This was discussed during a recent meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Urban Development and Housing.

The minister had emphasized the need to take immediate action in this regard as it would become the responsibility of the ministry and the government if such an accident should occur.

It was pointed out that construction aid equipment at the site could collapse due to the wind and the site also posed as a breeding site for mosquitos. Officials pointed out the risk of dengue fever being spread due to accumulation of water, especially as 03 floors of this building are located underground. They added that several leading tourist hotels in the vicinity have also complained in this regard.

The Minister had further instructed the Ministry Secretary to take necessary legal action immediately in case of failure to resume construction work within a specified time frame after talks with the investor. Officials had pointed out that a discussion is to be held with the relevant investment company regarding the resumption of construction work.

News

Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, remanded

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until July 08.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

6 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.