News

Judge recuses himself from hearing Maithripala’s writ petition

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2023

editor

Appeal Court Judge Neil Iddawela has recused himself from hearing the writ petition filed by former President Maithripala Sirisena, challenging the magisterial inquiry and the issuing of summons against him in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.

Court of Appeal (President) Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne announced that Justice Iddawela, a member of the five-judge-bench nominated to hear this case, has declined to hear the petition.

Accordingly, this petition was fixed for argument to be heard before a five-judge-bench on October 16, 17, 18 and 20.

Filing a motion before the Court of Appeal, Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando had earlier sought a fuller or a divisional bench to hear the writ petition filed by former President Maithripala Sirisena.

On October 14, 2022 the Court of Appeal two-judge-bench issued an order postponing the magisterial inquiry against former President Maithripala Sirisena. The Court of Appeal further decided to postpone the magisterial inquiry at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court for a period of 10 weeks.

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court had earlier issued a notice directing former President Maithripala Sirisena to appear before court on October 14, 2022 in connection with a private plaint filed on the Easter Sunday attacks. Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando and Jesuraj Ganeshan, a victim of the Easter Sunday attack, had filed a private plaint before the Magistrate’s Court urging to take legal action against the former President under Section 298 of the Penal Code for causing deaths by negligence.

Faiz Musthapha PC with Counsel Keerthi Tillekaratne appeared for the former President. Rienzie Arsekularatne PC with Counsel Thejitha koralage, Thilina Punchihewa, Himasha Silva and Udara Muhandiramge appeared for Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk 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

4 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.