News

18 expelled from Diyathalawa military academy over drug use

Published

2 years ago

April 13, 2023

editor

Six training instructors who sold drugs including ice, hashish and cannabis to the cadets who came for training at the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) in Diyatalawa and 18 cadets who used drugs have been expelled from the army.

The decision has been taken after the Defence Secretary ordered the Army Commander to carry out a formal investigation into the alleged drug use that took place at the SLMA.

Following the documents obtained from a preliminary inquiry, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage has observed that six training instructors have sold and used drugs.

All these six instructors belonging to other ranks (lance corporal, corporal and soldier) are addicted to cannabis.

Eighteen cadets belonging to intake No. 91 have been identified and 15 have admitted to having used cannabis during training.

A training instructor, a sergeant, who is said to have been involved in this drug smuggling, has left the army during investigations.

It has been revealed that one of the instructors had taught the cadets how to use ice.

These drugs have been brought to the SLMA from Kottawa and Welimada.

Ice, which was bought from Kottawa for Rs.1,000 has been sold for Rs.8,000.

Cannabis has been sold for Rs.500.

A second lieutenant has also been revealed to have bought cannabis and ice and he has been recommended to appear before a court martial.

The Army Commander has decided to strongly reprimand five majors and a captain for failing to supervise the cadets.

The parents alleged that the SLMA is considered to have a very high discipline and not even the family members are allowed to visit easily. They said all the officers of the SLMA are responsible for exposing the recruited cadets to drug dealers inside the SLMA.

Source – Aruna

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.