News

Court orders Lohan Ratwatte to appear in court!

Published

2 years ago

May 9, 2023

editor

Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate and Additional District Judge Nalaka Sanjeewa Jayasuriya ordered the Plantation Industries State Minister Lohan Ratwatte to appear in the Anuradhapura Chief Magistrate’s Court on September 14.

He was summoned over the case being heard in connection with pointing a firearm at a Tamil prisoner and threatening to kill him after entering the Anuradhapura Prison at night when he was the State Minister for Prison Management and Prisoners Rehabilitation.

A charge sheet has been filed by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) in the Court alleging that the State Minister pointed a firearm at the inmate named Pubara Sinhan Suriya Palan and threatened to kill him.

The CCD informed the court that on or around September 12, 2021, the suspect visited the Anuradhapura Prison and criminally threatened the inmate. The Attorney General has informed that according to Section 183 of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka, sufficient evidence has been discovered that the suspect had committed a crime.

According to the instructions of the Attorney General, the CCD informed the court that a charge sheet will be filed in this court under Section 486 of the Penal Code against the suspect.

Taking these facts into consideration, the Chief Magistrate ordered the suspect residing at Mapanawathura Lane, Kandy to appear in the Court on September 14.

Fourteen people including prison officers who were on duty in the Anuradhapura Prison and the inmates who were detained in the prison on the day the suspect allegedly committed the offence have been named as witnesses in the case.

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

2 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

4 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.