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Japan commits to promoting economic governance through anti-corruption policy support in SL

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Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki and Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota marked the launch of the new project titled ‘The Project for Promoting Economic Governance through Anti-corruption Policy Support’ through an official signing that took place in Colombo today, with the participation of senior government officials.

 
Sri Lanka’s ongoing socio-economic crisis has reversed development gains achieved, with deep rooted transparency and accountability gaps identified as a key contributor to the economic crisis of the country. The new project will work towards strengthening the anti-corruption ecosystem in Sri Lanka, through time-bound, costed national policy reform, inter-stakeholder collaboration, and enhanced institutional capacity to deliver a necessary roadmap for the country to emerge from fragility towards a resilient economy and a trusted democracy.  

‘The Project for Promoting Economic Governance through Anti-Corruption Policy Support’ is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB) of 137 million JPY (approximately 931,000 USD) will be implemented by Government of Sri Lanka and UNDP in Sri Lanka. The proposed action seeks to (1) strengthen legal and policy frameworks; (2) improve coordination among key institutions combating financial and tax crimes; and (3) enhance strategic institutional and individual skills and capacities around combating anticorruption through strategic action under three main outcomes.  

Highlighting Japan’s commitment to support the people of Sri Lanka, mbassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki noted, “Anti-corruption measures are conducive for more business friendly environment for foreign investors. Japan would like to support improvement in this sense and expect to see expansion of our business relationship. I would like to affirm once again that the Government of Japan remains dedicated to supporting to promote Sri Lanka’s fairer economic governance and anti-corruption initiatives and we eagerly anticipate witnessing the tangible impact of our collective efforts.”

Targeted, time-bound, capacity development within the anti-corruption ecosystem will assist Sri Lanka to ensure a comprehensive approach to combatting corruption through prevention, investigation, and prosecution. This will contribute towards efficient and predictable public service delivery, upholding the rule of law that serves as a bulwark against corruption and encourage foreign direct investment which is critical to Sri Lanka’s recovery from the socio-economic crisis.  

Commenting on the role of UNDP, Ms. Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative for UNDP in Sri Lanka highlighted, “It’s become evident that for Sri Lanka to effectively implement required reforms and restore its economy, accountable and transparent systems and institutions are absolutely essential. This partnership with Japan complements our ongoing and planned activities in support of strengthening economic governance and will promote a holistic approach that empowers institutions to collaborate seamlessly. The JSB support will serve as a catalyst, enhancing not only their individual capacities but, most crucially, their collective ability to unite in the fight against corruption. We in UDNP are deeply grateful to the Government of Japan for this opportunity”.  

The interventions envisaged under the project will contribute significantly to the achievement of Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG16), by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.  

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CID probing into ex-President Ranil’s overseas trips

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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today (June 24) that it has launched an investigation into the overseas trips made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his tenure as president.

The CID reported the facts to the court and stated that the investigation is being conducted under the Public Property Act.

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Nelumwewa hot springs to be boosted as tourist destination

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As part of the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, a development project has been proposed to enhance the area surrounding the Nelumwewa hot springs in Welikanda, Polonnaruwa, with the aim of promoting it as a tourist attraction.

A discussion regarding the proposed development was held this morning (June 24) at the site, followed by a field inspection.

Until now, the hot springs area has not been adequately developed, leading to a diminished interest from both local and international tourists.

During the discussion, attention was drawn to the importance of developing the Nelumwewa hot springs, the site’s tourism and scientific potential and its current condition.

Proposals currently being evaluated involve enhancing forest cover in the surrounding area, beautifying the island adjacent to the hot springs and building a bridge from the mainland to the island to facilitate better access for visitors.

Among those present were Deputy Minister of Housing T.B. Sarath, Chairman of the Welikanda Pradeshiya Sabha, D.W. Wasantha, retired hydrologist Prof. Dharma Gunawardena of the University of Peradeniya and officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, the Mahaweli Authority, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Welikanda Divisional Secretariat and several other institutions.

(President’s Media Division)

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22 Oluwil university students suspended over ragging

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A group of 22 students from Oluwil University have been suspended for allegedly ragging first-year students, Vice Chancellor Prof. S.M. Junaideen said.

The university’s Registrar, M.I. Naufer, stated that a special committee made up of university professors has been appointed to carry out a formal investigation into the incident.

According to preliminary reports, a group of second-year students from the Engineering Faculty were involved in ragging several first-year students. University authorities said strict disciplinary action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about ragging in universities, which remains a serious issue despite longstanding efforts to eliminate the practice from Sri Lanka’s higher education institutions.

(dailymirror.lk)

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

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