News

NPP MPs agree to share Madiwela houses

Published

5 months ago

January 19, 2025

editor

National People’s Power (NPP) Badulla district MP Kitnan Selvaraj said that the party’s MPs have agreed to share a single house within the Madiwela Housing Complex, with four of them occupying the residence together.

He said that with 159 NPP MPs and limited accommodation, each house in Madiwela, which has three bedrooms, will be shared by four MPs. “We will make do with what’s available,” he added.

Selvaraj said that the NPP MPs are not seeking luxury and will use the privileges granted to them responsibly. “The NPP operates as a team,” he said.

The MP also said that NPP representatives have not been provided with new vehicles for personal use. “Until recently, I travelled from Badulla to the party headquarters and for parliamentary sessions using public transport. Currently, I travel to Parliament with several other MPs in transport arranged by the party,” he said.

Selvaraj dismissed claims that NPP MPs have been granted luxury vehicles. “Certain people are spreading the false notion that we have been provided with such vehicles. This is completely untrue,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction with the accommodation he has been assigned at the Madiwela Housing Complex. “I appreciate the design of these houses, which resemble a barrack-style housing scheme. They are simple, and I hope future housing developments in the estate sector can draw inspiration from this style,” he added.

He said that he receives over 500 phone calls daily, primarily from members of the estate sector.

“Many of these issues are deeply entrenched, with some persisting for over a century without any meaningful attempts at resolution,” he said.

Selvaraj expressed optimism about the country’s prospects for a fresh start, adding that the NPP will not tolerate racism or extremism from any ethnic or religious group. “Some Tamil MPs from the North are trying to incite racism.

I had only one opportunity to speak in Parliament, and I used it to address this issue,” he added.

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

News

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

Published

4 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

7 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.