News

Resignation of Mullaitivu Judge raises concern: Jurist

Published

2 years ago

October 2, 2023

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The resignation of Sri Lankan Judge T. Saravanaraja raises serious questions about the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka, the Jurist Website said.

In the resignation letter, addressed to the Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Judicial Services Commission, Judge Saravanaraja cited the “threat of my life and … [a] lot of stress” as the reasons for his decision to step down.

Saravanaraja was a judge in the Mullaitivu District. Notably, Saravanaraja had recently presided over two significant cases, the website said.

“The first case involved a dispute over a religious site, Kurunthamalai. Saravanaraja ordered the removal of recently erected structures, including an unlawfully constructed Buddhist shrine situated atop Kurunthamalai.

“The second case pertained to the Sri Lankan government’s stifling of a memorial event honoring a deceased member of the LTTE. Additionally, in July 2023, Saravanaraja ordered excavations at a mass grave site in Kokkuthoduvai, adding to the growing list of sensitive issues in the region.

“Saravanaraja alleged that a senior official from the Attorney General’s Department invited him to his office on September 21 and, during that meeting, compelled him to reverse his order in the Kurunthurmalai case.

“Furthermore, Saravanaraja claimed that Sri Lankan Members of Parliament Sarath Weerasekera and other politicians threatened his life.

“The judge also said that his police protection presence had been reduced while intelligence officers continued to surveil him. Lastly, the judge stated that two cases were filed against him personally in Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeals in connection to his decision on the Kurunthamalai case,” the Jurist said.

News

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

Published

15 minutes ago

July 1, 2025

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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.

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3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, arrested

Published

26 minutes ago

July 1, 2025

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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 are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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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.