News

Did ICC officials arrive at their expense?

Published

2 years ago

May 11, 2023

editor

The two International Cricket Council (ICC) officials including its Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja who are in Sri Lanka to find out if there is any political interference in Sri Lankan cricket (SLC) are scheduled to meet Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe this evening (11).

The two met the Executive Committee of SLC yesterday and were scheduled to meet the President in the evening.

However, they have not met the President but have met Presidential Advisor Sagala Rathanayake instead.

It was reported that they have arrived at the request of the SLC.

Meanwhile, several experts raised questions as to why they are targeting Sri Lanka when there are other countries where such political interference is taking place in cricket.

They pointed out that the ICC is unofficially governed by its richest member, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and that even the BCCI’s members are not elected constitutionally but appointed by a court order.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is directly appointed by its Prime Minister. As soon as former Prime Minister Imran Khan vacated office, the new Prime Minister replaced Ramiz Raja who was appointed by Khan.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board will always be made up of people who are loyal to the government.

Even cricket in Zimbabwe is controlled by the government.

The experts said that it should be found out whether the ICC officials who come here from time to time citing various reasons are coming at their expense or at the expense of SLC.

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

5 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.