News

CID takes over probe into organised car smuggling

Published

9 months ago

August 23, 2023

editor

The Central Anti-Corruption Squad in Walana has launched an investigation into an organised smuggling of 430 luxury cars and jeeps by falsely registering them under old and discarded vehicle numbers.

The country has lost a large amount of tax revenue due to this scam, which was carried out with the blessings of corrupt officials at the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).

However, the officials of the Illegal Property and Assets Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) took over the investigation into this smuggling yesterday (22) under the directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The reason for this change is that the Central Anti-Corruption Squad has many investigations on their plate to handle on a daily basis and lacks officers to allocate only for the investigation of vehicles.

A senior officer at the police headquarters said, “the CID has enough facilities to conduct such investigations. Also, a separate team of officers can be allocated for the investigation. The IGP has thought about this and has handed over the investigation to the CID. On the other hand, this crime is not something to be taken lightly.”

Information regarding five officers of the DMT has been revealed from the investigations carried out so far.

It was also said that the Central Anti-Corruption Squad has seized a luxury jeep with a fake registration number that was being used by a clerk working in the DMT archives. Appropriate action to be taken against him.

Furthermore, the list of 430 vehicles registered using fake documents was also revealed by the Central Anti-Corruption Squad.

It was said that among those who use these vehicles are top government officials, police officers and businessmen.

The IGP has stressed that the CID is responsible for finding the 430 vehicles and conducting further investigations.

News

Colombo air show and CADE 2024 exhibition postponed to next year

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2024

editor

The Colombo Air Show and Defence Exhibition (CADE 2024), initially set to take place from May 29 to June 2 at Galle Face and Colombo Port City, has been postponed to next year, according to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

The SLAF stated that the decision to reschedule the event was made in response to multiple requests from international partners, defence industry stakeholders, and foreign Air Forces. This postponement aims to enhance participation and provide a more diverse experience for spectators.

The rescheduled event will now be held from February 26 to March 2, 2025, coinciding with the 74th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

News

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar arrives in Sri Lanka

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2024

editor

The Global Peace Ambassador and Spiritual Leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar arrived in Sri Lanka this afternoon (18) for a three-day visit. He was welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake by State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman.

During his stay from May 18 to 20, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will participate in an event titled ‘Ekamuthuva: An Evening of Music, Meditation and Wisdom,’ which will be held at Taj Samudra on May 19. Renowned for his global humanitarian efforts and as a peace envoy, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is also an Indian yoga guru and the founder of ‘Transcendental Meditation’.

News

President leaves for Indonesia

Published

12 hours ago

May 18, 2024

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has left for Indonesia this morning (18) to attend the 10th World Water Forum High-Level Meeting in Bali, at the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

The 10th World Water Forum is being held from May 18th to 20th in Bali, Indonesia.

This significant gathering, themed “Water for Shared Prosperity,” will convene global leaders to address pressing issues related to water management and sustainability.

President Wickremesinghe left for Indonesia on Saturday, following an invitation from Indonesian President Joko Widodo, underscoring Sri Lanka’s commitment to international cooperation on water-related challenges.

Scheduled to deliver a keynote address on May 20th, President Wickremesinghe will articulate Sri Lanka’s perspective on achieving equitable access to water resources for all, the President’s Media Division said.

During the forum, President Wickremesinghe is expected to engage in bilateral discussions, including a meeting with President Widodo, to explore avenues for collaborative action in water resource management.

His delegation, comprising senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflects Sri Lanka’s comprehensive approach to addressing global water issues.

President Wickremesinghe’s participation underscores Sri Lanka’s proactive role in advancing sustainable solutions to ensure water security, not only domestically but also on the global stage, the PMD said.