News

Ex-President Maithripala paid Rs. 1 mn. compensation, court told (Update)

Published

4 months ago

March 11, 2025

editor

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has paid the Rs. 1 million in compensation, which was ordered to be paid following the quashing of the presidential pardon granted to the convict in the Royal Park murder case, his lawyers have informed the Supreme Court.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, which had previously considered the facts presented that the compensation had not been paid, issued an order this morning (11) directing that notice to be issued to Maithripala Sirisena.

(Previous news 2025 March 11 – 1.16.p.m.)

Supreme court issues notice to Maithripala

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to former President Maithripala Sirisena.

This is in relation to his failure to comply with a court order to pay compensation of one million rupees, following the revocation of the presidential pardon granted to Jude Shramantha Jayamaha, who was sentenced to death in the Royal Park murder case.

On June 6, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that Mr. Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to pardon and release Jude Shramantha Jayamaha was unconstitutional, and ordered him to pay one million rupees in compensation to the petitioner.

When the petition was taken up today (March 11), President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, appearing for the petitioner, informed the court that Maithripala Sirisena has not yet paid the compensation.

Accordingly, the court ordered that a notice be issued to Mr. Sirisena, requesting him to appear and explain why he should not be punished for failing to pay the compensation.

It has been reported that former President Maithripala Sirisena has been ordered to appear before the court on April 29 in this regard.

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.