News

Immunoglobulin import case: Finance Ministry refutes involvement

Published

2 years ago

November 29, 2023

editor

The Ministry of Finance clarified that CID officials, during their visit to the Treasury on November 27 and 28, had obtained statements from the Director of the Department of Development Finance and the Deputy Director of the Department of Public Finance on the procurement of human immunoglobulin drugs and the process followed in utilizing funds from the Indian Line of Credit.

Contrary to some media reports, the Ministry asserted that no Treasury officials had visited the CID headquarters. Instead, they had cooperated solely to assist the CID in understanding the correct procedures for procurement and fund utilization.

In terms of the court order by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court, the CID was asked to obtain statements from Treasury officials concerning the procurement guidelines applicable with regard to utilizing of funds from the Indian Line of Credit.

The Department of Public Finance and the Department of Development Finance are the relevant Treasury departments responsible for the overall procurement guidelines and the administration of the Indian Line of Credit, the Ministry said.

“Treasury officials provided documents relating to communications that occurred between the relevant Departments in the Treasury and the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies has no involvement in the specific procurement carried out. We will continue to extend our fullest support to the CID and to the courts in carrying out the investigations,” the Ministry said.

(dailymirror.lk)

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

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.