Motor Traffic Officials Released on Bail Over Rs. 4M Bribery Scandal

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga today (4) ordered to release on bail of three officials from the Narahanpita branch of the Department of Motor Traffic, who had been held in remand custody over serious bribery allegations.

The suspects — Deputy Commissioner Dilan Nuwan Kumara, Assistant Manager Pradeep Nishantha, and Clerk Samantha Perera — were arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes amounting to nearly Rs. 4 million from members of the public seeking driving licenses.

Each suspect was granted bail under strict conditions: two personal sureties of Rs. 2 million each, and a cash bail of Rs. 25,000. 

The Magistrate also imposed a foreign travel ban and prohibited the suspects from entering the premises of the Department of Motor Traffic during the ongoing investigation.

The arrests were made during a special raid on May 23, based on confidential intelligence received by the Bribery Commission. The suspects were taken into custody at the Narahanpita branch of the department.

During today’s hearing, investigators submitted an updated report to the court, confirming that inquiries are still ongoing. 

They also revealed that CCTV footage recorded between April 9 and May 29 at the department had been deleted by an unidentified party, and that an analysis is being conducted with assistance from the University of Moratuwa.

Representing the suspects, President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris and Anuja Premaratne, along with a team of attorneys, requested bail on the grounds that their clients had already spent 42 days in remand custody.

After considering the submissions, the Magistrate granted bail.