News

VTA officer died in police custody, due to Blunt Force Trauma!

Published

2 years ago

June 7, 2023

editor

The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (6) ruled that the cause of death of the Assistant Manager of the Vocational Training Authority, who died while in custody of the Police Narcotic Bureau, was Blunt Force Trauma.

Maligakanda Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrama while delivering the order on the postmortem, ordered for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the death.

On the 10th of January 2023, Samantha Preethi Kumara, an Assistant Manager at the Vocational Training Authority in Narahenpita had visited a restaurant with a friend to have lunch.

Samantha Preethi Kumara had decided to walk back to his office after purchasing his meal, while his friend decided to stay back and enjoy lunch at the restaurant.

It was during his way back to office, that Samantha Preethi Kumara was taken away by a group that arrived in a jeep.

Thereafter, relatives were informed that his lifeless body was lying at the Colombo National Hospital.

On that day, when News 1st contacted the Police Spokesperson, SSP Nihal Thalduwa, he said that Samantha Preethi Kumara was picked up by the police suspected of being a leading player in a drug network that was under investigation.

The Police Spokesperson went on to note that the detectives from the Police Narcotic Bureau had interrogated the suspects with regard to those above him in the drug network, and during the course of the inquiry the suspect had smashed a bottle in half, and attacked the police officer.

However, in court on Tuesday (6) it was revealed that Samantha Preethi Kumara died as a result of bleeding due to the assault.

(newsfirst.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

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.