News
JICA says its agreement with BASL in line with its rules and procedures
Findings of special probe points to the contrary
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) yesterday (11) said that it strictly followed procurement rules and procedures to ensure full transparency and fairness in respect of an anti-corruption project underway in Sri Lanka.
Spokesperson for JICA Sri Lanka Office said so in response to The Island query regarding the ongoing controversy over JICA agreement with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).
A five-member Special Committee, appointed by the Bar Council that probed the agreement, alleged that BASL President Kaushalya Navaratne, PC, failed to act with transparency in relation to the contract entered into by the BASL with JICA and thereby violated the trust reposed in him as the President of the BASL. The Special Committee consists of Dr. Faisz Mustapha, PC, Chairman, Dr. K. Kanag-Isvaran, PC, Ikram Mohamed, PC, Rienzie Arseuculeratne, PC and Geoffrey Alagaratnam, PC.
However, JICA emphasised that the agreement the agency had with BASL was in line with their procurement rules and procedures.
The spokesperson said: “When we entered into the contract with BASL to implement a survey on anti-corruption for the purpose of capacity development of CIABOC under the new Anti- Corruption Act, we have strictly followed our procurement rules and procedures to ensure full transparency and fairness.
“Upon the successful fulfillment of all obligations on the part of BASL, we made payment to BASL in full in accordance with the contract.”
The Island
obtained JICA response through the intervention of the Japanese embassy here.
“With regard to the investigation by the BASL, since we have not been involved in such an inquiry and have not received any information as to the findings of the investigation from the official source, we are not in a position to comment,” JICA spokesperson said, in response to another query.
“Just as we did on our part in our contract with BASL this time, we will always continue to take all necessary preventive and precautionary measures to ensure the maximum level of integrity in our works.”
Of the payment made by JICA, a selected group of persons shared a substantial amount, according to the BASL investigation. Contrary to the position taken by JICA, the BASL investigation found fault with the BASL President for the failure on his part to inform the Management Committee, Executive Committee of the Council of the BASL of what the five-member Special Committee called an unusual contract. The Committee made special mention of quite substantial payments received by researchers and resource persons. All recipients were identified by name and position.
The Special Committee emphasised the responsibility on the part of all members to keep the Executive Committee and Bar Council briefed and proper approval secured in case of such matters.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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