News

20 sent on compulsory leave: Minister says no cause for panic

Published

2 years ago

March 29, 2023

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Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that 20 Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) workers who did not report for duty today (29) have been sent on compulsory leave.

Speaking at a special press conference held at the Ministry this morning, the minister said that these employees have been banned from entering the CPC premises.

Minister Wijesekera said that there is no cause for panic over a fuel shortage and that distribution will continue as usual. He assured that there will be no queues again.

Meanwhile, the minister said that Sri Lanka has the highest amount of fuel reserves after four years. Commenting further, the minister said there’s no need to worry about a fuel shortage.

“Many people had the experience of waiting in queues in March and April last year. Today, we have been able to get rid of fuel queues after one year and we are providing electricity continuously. Therefore, we request the people not to panic. I believe that we have the highest amount of fuel reserves in the period of 4-5 years. Orders have been placed for more shipments and we have received funds to pay for these. There were several issues yesterday which made the people panic. On the other hand, some fuel station owners wait without ordering fuel hoping for a price revision. They are contracted to maintain a minimum stock of fuel in their warehouses. Therefore, it is requested once again to make arrangements to maintain it. Place the order accordingly and we can make the delivery with the support of the police and special task force…,” he said.

News

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

Published

1 hour 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.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, remanded

Published

1 hour 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 were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until July 08.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

4 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.