News

Police should be kept separate from politicians

Published

2 years ago

September 14, 2023

editor

Due to the non-functioning of provincial councils, the Finance Commission was instructed by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on An Open and Responsible Government to use the money given to the provincial councils in a transparent manner.

These instructions were given during the committee meeting held in Parliament recently under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament – Jagath Kumara Sumitraarachchi.

The chairman of the committee emphasized that provincial councils should be built in such a way that they can work independently. Therefore, the Finance Commission has a responsibility to identify and present the obstacles to their development, the chairman said.

Rs. 16.6bn. allocated to PCs for children’s nutritional needs

The officials of the Finance Commission said that the financial allocation for the Provincial Councils has been increased during the non-functioning period of the Provincial Councils.

Giving further information, the officials mentioned that arrangements have been made to allocate 16.6 billion rupees for the nutritional needs of children in the allocation of money for the provincial councils for the year 2024.

Accordingly, the chairman instructed the committee to inform the committee about how much money has been allocated for the provincial councils and at the same time what progress the provincial councils have made.

Speaking before the officers of the Police Commission, the chairman pointed out that it is essential for the police to continue working as a people-friendly institution.

Police should be kept separate from politicians

The chairman’s attention was drawn to the severe shortage of human resources faced by the Police Commission officers in carrying out their duties.

Accordingly, the chairman instructed the officers to prepare a report on the current progress of the Police Commission and to include the challenges and problems in the report and hand it over to the committee.

Members of Parliament – W.D.J. Seneviratne, Chaminda Wijesiri, Mohammad Muzammil, Rohana Bandara, Gunathilaka Rajapaksa and a group of government officials were present in this meeting.

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.