News
BASL asks its members to return Japanese funds
Rs. 21 mn JICA payment controversy:
by Shamindra Ferdinando
Reeling from a revelation that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) received Rs 21 million as payment for an anti-corruption study undertaken in terms of an agreement with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), without following proper procedures, the Bar Council has appointed a five-member committee consisting of five President’s Counsel to conduct an investigation.
The committee comprising Dr. Kanag Isvaran, Dr. Faisz Musthapha, Rienzie Arsekuleratne, Ikram Mohomed and Geoff Alagaratnam has been asked to submit its report to the Bar Council within two months.
Rs. Rs 19 mn out of Rs 21 mn received by the BASL was shared by five members who undertook the study.The Bar Council has directed all of them to return the money to the BASL. Two of them had returned their share before the Bar Council took up the matter.
The Bar Council intervened after several senior members of the Executive Committee of BASL demanded an explanation as regards the JICA project.JICA engaged the team comprising members of the BASL late last year to conduct a study on bribery and corruption.
The BASL members have asked why the five members had not obtained approval from the Bar Council and its Executive Committee before undertaking the study. The team facing the current probe includes two President’s Counsel.
Several years ago, The Island revealed how the BASL had secured a sponsorship for the Law Asia Conference from Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL), which was under investigation for Treasury bond scams. Those who had shared Rs 19 mn had been asked not to seek media interventions until the completion of the inquiry.
PC Upali Gooneratne, in his capacity as pro tem Chairman chaired Saturday’s Bar Council meeting in view of the current BASL President Kaushalya Nawaratne, PC, too, being subjected to the ongoing unprecedented investigation focused on the overall process, absence of required approvals, etc. The other members of the five–member team are Nalinda Indatissa, PC, Shavindra Fernando, PC, Nuwan de Alwis and Rashmi Indatissa.
The funding of the Bar Association study coincided with the Japanese funding for the UNDP anti-corruption project launched in February this year. When The Island sought a clarification regarding the latest anti- corruption initiative from the UNDP Office in Colombo, a spokesperson said that the ministries of justice and finance were involved in the project.
Japanese Ambassador in Colombo Mizukoshi Hideaki and UNDP Resident Representative in Colombo Azusa Kubota launched ‘The Project for Promoting Economic Governance through Anti-Corruption Policy Support’ on February 13, 2024. The UNDP spokesperson said that the project worth 137 million JPY (approximately USD 931,000) would be implemented from March this year to March next year.
Soon after the finalization of the agreement between Japan and the UNDP in February 2024, JICA in collaboration with BASL conducted a series of introductory workshops between 19 and 28 February for the officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) as well as key actors of the justice system.
These workshops dealt with whistleblower protection, deferred prosecution agreements and anti -money laundering measures. In terms of the new Anti-Corruption Act No 9 of 2023 that came into operation in September last year, CIABOC spearheaded the operations. JICA brought in experts from Japan, US (Department of Justice and US Federal Bureau of Investigation), National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom and the Asia Pacific Group for Anti-Money Laundering.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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