News

Only 31 out of 179 foreign investment projects, efficacious

Published

2 years ago

November 24, 2023

editor

Given the consideration of the performance report of the Department of Project Management and Monitoring, the current status of Foreign Investment Projects was taken up for discussion where it was disclosed that only 31 projects out of 179 Foreign Investment Projects are efficacious.

The inquiry into this took place when the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans met in Parliament recently (21) under the Chairmanship of Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Member of Parliament.

Whilst it was disclosed that approximately 2.6 trillion rupees have been received for Foreign Investment Projects from foreign funded institutions, the Committee emphasized that it is very regrettable that the foreign loans and grants obtained for the country’s capital expenditure through such projects are not properly implemented to achieve the desired results through the related projects.

The Committee pointed out that the expected objectives are not being achieved through these projects and that the foreign debt of the country is increasing rapidly, and the reason for this is the weakness of the relevant Ministries and their operating institutions as well as the project monitoring units established for the implementation of these projects.

Accordingly, the Committee instructed the officials present to submit a report in this regard within one month. The Committee also approved the performance report of the Department of Project Management and Monitoring.

Following the said discussions, 4 performance reports including the performance report of the Department of Project Management and Monitoring and 3 annual reports were considered in the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economy and Physical Planning.

Accordingly, the Performance Report of Department of Public Finance 2022, Performance Report of the Department of National Planning 2022, Annual Report of the Ceylon Industrial Development Board 2020, Annual Report of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Fund 2020, Performance Report of Local Loans and Development Fund 2021, Performance Report of Ministry of Plantation Industry 2022 were considered at the Committee meeting held.

News

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

Published

50 minutes 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, arrested

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 are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

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.