News

Gota’s lawyers say it’s his money found in President’s House

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2023

editor

Lawyers representing former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a request from the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday (8) to release the sum of Rs. 17.85 million which was found at the President’s House in Colombo by the protestors on 9 July 2022.

Attorney-at-Law Harigupta Rohanadeera represented Mr. Rajapaksa.

However, Magistrate Thilina Gamage denied the request stating that it is the responsibility of the court to make an inquiry before making an order regarding the relevant stock of money and that there is a possibility of investigating the money under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act as well as the Bribery Act.

The officials of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the court that they recorded a statement from former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on February 6 over Rs. 17.85 million which was found at room no: 4 of the President’s House on July 9, 2022.

Mr. Rohanadeera said, “In the statement given, the former president said that the amount belonged to him. So far, no other party has come forward to claim the money. Accordingly, if the court is satisfied with the statement he has given, the money is requested to be released to Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.”

The Magistrate said former President Rajapaksa has stated that this amount has been kept to give to the people whose property was damaged during the violent incidents on May 9 last year.

Speaking in the court on behalf of the aggrieved parties, President’s Counsel (PC) Rienzie Arsecularatne informed the court that the relevant sum of money should be investigated under the Bribery Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

“Mr. Rajapaksa has humiliated the court. He asks for money without even visiting the court. The former president tried to get hold of this money by indirect means by contacting Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon. If this money is his, Mr. Rajapaksa should come to the court and make the request,’ he said.

The Magistrate said that the investigation regarding this amount has not been completed yet and therefore, it is not possible to release it even if no other party has come forward claiming the money in question.

Source – Aruna

News

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

Published

2 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

5 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.