News

High-level committee to oversee security arrangements of presidential candidates

Published

12 months ago

July 17, 2024

editor

In the wake of the attempted assassination of former US President and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has proposed appointing a committee to oversee the personal security arrangements of candidates contesting the upcoming presidential election.

The committee will be chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and will also include the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chief of National Intelligence and the Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police in charge of Elections.

President Wickremesinghe, in a Cabinet Paper, has noted that there is a pressing need to ensure the personal security of the candidates for the forthcoming presidential election in light of the recent attack on Mr Trump, who suffered injuries to his right ear when an assassin opened fire during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The committee that Mr Wickremesinghe has proposed will oversee the security arrangements of presidential candidates as well as former Presidents based on threat assessments, once nominations are accepted.

The President has further proposed to direct the IGP to nominate a police officer, not below the rank of DIG to coordinate all matters related to the personal security of presidential candidates and the former Presidents during the presidential election.

The aforementioned committee and the designated police officer should work closely with the Election Commission to ensure seamless coordination of security arrangements, the President adds in his Cabinet Paper.

(sundaytimes.lk)

(This story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

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

Published

1 hour 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

1 hour 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.