News

National Anthem sung at LPL not according to melody : Committee report

Published

2 years ago

August 22, 2023

editor

The melody of the National Anthem, which was sung by popular singer Umara Sinhawansa, was not according to the melody described in the Constitution, the investigation team of the Public Administration and Local Government Ministry said.

The report was handed over to the Public Administration Ministry secretary last Friday (18).

Singer Umara Sinhawansa mispronounced a key lyric while performing the National Anthem at the 2023 LPL opening ceremony, and a video was circulated on social media regarding the incident.

The melody of the national anthem is described in the Constitution as singing in the medium tone, but Umara had sung the anthem in high pitch. While singing the national anthem in a high pitch, the key lyric of the anthem was also distorted.

Therefore, the investigation team was advised by the secretary to consult the Attorney General and take further action.

The team advised adding a regulation to the National Anthem as soon as possible when using it in a national event. It was also requested to mention the actions to be taken if the regulations were violated.

“We have certain regulations for the use of the national flag, but we do not have such regulations for the use of the national anthem.

“We also requested the secretary to issue a circular to all sports clubs and associations that organize international events to sing the national anthem in the medium tone and the proper lyrics until the regulation is issued,” the team said.

(dailymirror.lk)

News

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

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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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

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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

5 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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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.