News

Schaffter found to be bankrupt; murder probe takes another turn

Published

3 years ago

December 26, 2022

editor

A special team from the Government Analyst’s Department had gone to Janashakthi Group Director Dinesh Schaffter’s house at Flower Road, Colombo 7 on Saturday evening and conducted an inspection as per a request of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

A group of CID officials who visited the house had also questioned Mr. Schaffter’s wife Tarni on the same day.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the investigators suspect whether the murder of Mr.Schaffter was a suicide.

Also, the investigators have focused on a letter written by Schaffter to his wife’s mother containing emotional comments such as “Thank you very much for raising such a good daughter.”

Meanwhile, it has also been revealed that Schaffter has invested millions of rupees in many business activities, but his business has suffered losses day by day due to the inability to recover the money as expected.

A land worth about Rs. 3,000 million purchased from Nuwara Eliya area has been acquired by the Provincial Road Development Authority, and an investment of Rs. 850 million invested in a business with a Jaffna District MP too is said to have been lost, also the dispute regarding Rs.1,600 million given to cricket commentator Brian Thomas and according to sources close to family he has lost around Rs.20,000 million due to failed business transactions.

It was also revealed from the statements of the close family members of Mr.Schaffter that an advertisement had been published on a newspaper for the sale of his residence at Colombo 07.

Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Talduwa said more than 70 people have been questioned so far while 70 CCTV footage have been inspected.

News

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

Published

2 hours 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.