News

Magistrate to request contempt action against state minister Diana Gamage

Published

2 years ago

June 22, 2023

editor

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court ordered today that a request will be forwarded to the President of the Court of Appeal to take action against State Minister Diana Gamage, over contempt of court.

The order was issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis today, upon consideration of the facts presented by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the lawyers of social activist Oshala Herath, the petitioner in the relevant case.

Herath filed a petition seeking a writ order disqualifying the state minister from holding a parliamentary seat alleging that issuing a diplomatic passport to the State Minister is against the Immigration and Emigration Act since she also holds British citizenship.

On 24 April, the court set aside the petition seeking Gamage’s arrest.

Accordingly, Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis declared that the court will not issue an order related to the arrest of the State Minister on the offences under the Immigration and Immigration Act, citing that the decision was arrived at since the CID is empowered by law to take the necessary steps regarding the arrest of the State Minister over the relevant offences.

Presenting facts in this regard before the court today, the CID claimed that during an interview with TV Derana’s 360° programme on 29 May, the State Minister had alleged that she had received the decision of the court in advance.

Speaking in court, Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis noted that upon the examination of the facts presented by the relevant parties, it appears that the factors required to build a case of contempt of court are present within the said matter.

Thus, the Magistrate noted that he will request the President of the Court of Appeal to initiate legal action against the State Minister under charges of contempt court.

Magistrate Alwis also ordered the footage of the relevant interview to be submitted to the court, with other related documents.

(adaderana.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

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.