Three suspects, including the Deputy Commissioner of the Narahenpita branch of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), have been released on bail following an order issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga.

The suspects were previously remanded on suspicion of accepting nearly Rs. 4 million in bribes from members of the public who were seeking driving licenses.

Each suspect was released on two sureties of Rs. 2 million and a cash bail of Rs. 25,000.

The Magistrate also imposed an overseas travel ban on the suspects and prohibited them from entering the Motor Traffic Department premises.

During the hearing, officers from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed the court that CCTV footage related to the investigation, obtained from the DMT, has been forwarded to the University of Moratuwa for further technical analysis.

They further revealed that data from a machine used during the period from April 9 to May 29 had been deleted.

The Commission noted that statements are expected to be recorded from several financial institutions and officers connected to the case.

Attorneys-at-law, including President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris and Anuja Premaratne, appearing on behalf of the suspects, requested that their clients be granted bail.

Accordingly, after considering the facts presented, the Magistrate granted bail and scheduled the next hearing for November 28.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

On July 04, during his visit to Sri Lanka, Mr. Ishizuki Hideo, Assistant Minister/ Director-General, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, held the Japan – Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation Policy Dialogue with Dr. Harshana Suriyapperum, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for the first time under the new NPP government.

Mr. Isomata Akio – Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (online), the Embassy of Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also attended the meeting.

In his remarks, DG Ishizuki highlighted that Sri Lanka is a critical partner for maintaining and promoting a Free and Open Indo Pacific and expressed his determination to continue development cooperation with Sri Lanka, supporting its efforts to improve the standard of living of the people and to combat corruption, in particular.

In his remarks, Ambassador Isomata stressed that the eradication of corruption and good governance are a prerequisite for restoring confidence of both public and private entities, including those of Japan, in making investments in Sri Lanka. Japan will continue to work closely with the Government of Sri Lanka for the country’s sustainable development.

During the Dialogue, DG Ishizuki elaborated on the overview of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and its Country Development Cooperation Policy, which defines the direction of Japan’s ODA policy for Sri Lanka.

Both sides exchanged views on Japan’s future development cooperation with Sri Lanka, including the ongoing yen loan projects to stabilize and reinforce Sri Lanka’s economy as well as overcome its socioeconomic challenges.

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has said that an investigation into the recent incident where a student fell from the footboard of a ‘Sisu Sariya’ school bus, has revealed that the accident had resulted from the careless and negligent behaviour of both the driver and the conductor.

Issuing a statement, the NTC noted that, based on the preliminary findings, the Road Passenger Transport Authority of the North Western Province has taken steps to temporarily suspend the services of the driver and conductor involved.