News

Govt. relief or election gimmick? TISL raises red flags

Published

10 months ago

September 5, 2024

editor

Transparency International Sri Lanka, has raised serious concerns about the misuse of public resources during the current election period.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Attorney at Law Nadishani Perera, Executive Director of TISL revealed that the organization has received over 500 complaints regarding the abuse of public resources, with action already taken on approximately 300 of these cases.

Perera emphasized the public’s frustration with the misuse of resources, noting that many people are eager to see accountability for those who exploit public assets for political gain. “We see public places being used to promote candidates, such as grounds or buildings being dedicated to one candidate. These are the resources of the people,” she stated.

She also highlighted the government’s recent announcements of various relief measures and benefits targeting specific voter groups, such as debt write-offs for farmers, subsidies for fishermen, salary increases for estate workers, and support for public officials. While acknowledging the necessity of these benefits, Perera criticized the timing of these announcements, suggesting they are being used to indirectly promote certain candidates.

“We are not against people receiving any form of benefit from the state. Of course, we would welcome that, and people are in dire need. But using this time, right now, to announce this, is you abusing that power you have, because by that you are indirectly promoting a candidate. And that is wrong, that is an abuse, and you are influencing the voter,” Perera asserted.

(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

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.