Minister questioned on undeclared assets
Bribery Commission officials have questioned Minister of Nation Building Rohitha Abeygunawardena over allegations of undeclared assets estimated at over 450 million rupees. The allegations against the Minister hit the headlines recently when two bribery detectives were transferred out for pursuing the case. They have filed a fundamental rights petition.
More in: Sunday Times 14 September www.sundaytimes.lk
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Judgement not acted upon
The failure by certain respondents to act on the judgement on the Lanka Marine Services Limited (LMSL) case was commented upon by the Supreme Court in responding to a motion by LMSL wanting time to vacate the premises.
More in: Financial Times (Sunday Times) 14 September www.sundaytimes.lk
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Bribery complaints against education officials
At least 236 out of a total of 1500 complaints received by the Bribery Commission in the first seven months of this year are against education officials, according to a provincial deputy director of education.
More in: The Island 9 September www.island.lk
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Probe into delay in rebuilding school
Though Rs 250 million have been given by the Japanese government to rebuild a school in Ratgama affected by the tsunami, the buildings have till not been completed. The Presidential Task Force is investigating.
More in: Divaina 9 September www.divaina.lk
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Caught collecting a bribe
A Wild Life Department official attached to the Medawachchiya office was nabbed by the Bribery Commission officers when he was accepting a bribe from a person who was illegally transporting timber.
More in: Lakbima 8 September www.lakbima.lk
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Officials drunk at work
A member of the Kundasale Pradeshheya Sabha accused certain officials of being drunk during office hours. Spending over 60,000 rupees a month on fuel through fraudulent means, they have enough money to spend, he alleged.
More in: Divaina 8 September www.divaina.lk
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“Police officers are bribe takers”
The coordinating officer of the Legal Aid Commission pinpointed police officers as topping the list of bribe takers. Though they are expected to maintain law and order, the police do not show any interest, she said addressing a meeting at Pitabeddeara.
More in: Lakbima 8 September www.lakbima.lk
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Officers wasting time
In a hard hitting editorial, Lakbima commented on the circular issued by the Education Ministry Secretary asking all officers should be in their seats without roaming about wasting time. The editorial refers to some teachers being owners of three-wheelers and spending their time driving them after signing the register.
More in: Lakbima 8 September www.lakbima.lk
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Low productivity due to red tape and corruption
A trade union official blames the bureaucracy, corruption and red tape for low productivity in the public sector.
More in: Financial Times 7 September www.sundaytimes.lk
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Evidence against five Secretaries
The Presidential Commission examining the conduct of Ministry Secretaries has found evidence against five secretaries, according to report in Heladiva newspaper.
More in: Heladiva 7 September
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No action taken
Audit reports indicate that no action has been taken against officials who have misused tsunami funds.
More in: Heladiva 7 September
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Police on the mat
Around 800 complaints have been received against the Police on their lethargic attitude and misuse of power according to the head of the Police Commission Investigation Unit.
More in: Lankadeepa 6 September www.lankadeepa.lk
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Irregular promotions
The Auditor General has drawn the attention of the IGP on irregular promotions and pay hikes in the police. There had been 1671 such promotions during 2000-2006.
More in: Lankadeepa 6 September www.lankadeepa.lk
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Petitions to be heard on 4 December
The two petitions filed against Minister Mervyn Silva on the alleged assault of two Sirasa mediamen will be take up for hearing on 4 December.
More in: Lankadeepa 6 September www.lankadeepa.lk
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Teacher transfers
A teachers’ trade union is up in arms against a high official in the Ministry of Education for transferring 12 teachers in national schools on his own accord.
More in: Lankadeepa 6 September www.lankadeepa.lk