News

COPA takes up mechanism to use IT for 13 state institutions

Published

2 years ago

May 25, 2023

editor

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) which met on March 23 to discuss using information technology for government institutions, established a committee to be led by the Secretary to the Prime Minister – Mr. Anura Dissanayake to put forth a mechanism with action dates to be presented to the Committee prior to May 15.

Accordingly, the COPA met yesterday (23) in Parliament under the chairmanship of Lasantha Alagiyawanna to present the mechanism prepared by the said Committee formed.

Thus, Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Anura Dissanayake explained in detail the use of information technology in relation to 13 government institutions. The following 13 institutions were considered regarding the use of information technology.

– Department for Registration of Persons
– Sri Lanka Customs
– Import and Export Control Department
– Department of Agriculture
– Sri Lanka Standards Institute
– Motor Transport Department
– Excise Department
– Inland Revenue Department
– Department of Registrar of Companies
– Registrar General’s Department
– Food Control Unit, Ministry of Health
– Colombo Municipal Council
– Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy

COPA discussed at length the matters arising when suing information technology, updating and maintenance of the software used. Special attention was paid to the use of information technology in the Department of Registration of Persons and the software expected to be used there.

The Sri Lanka Information Technology Agency (ICTA) also explained the contribution of their organization for this purpose. furthermore, a group of officials were also connected through Zoom technology.

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.