The suspects were produced before court by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). After considering the submissions made by the commission, the magistrate ordered that the four officials be remanded in custody until the next hearing date.
According to the Bribery Commission, the suspects—who are either currently serving or previously served at the Motor Traffic Department—were arrested over several charges, including the illegal registration of a motor vehicle using fraudulent documentation.
During the court proceedings, Assistant Director (Legal) Anusha Sambandapperuma informed the court that a vehicle imported into the country through documentation had been illegally registered at the Department of Motor Traffic without paying the required customs duties. As a result, the government reportedly suffered a loss exceeding Rs. 11.7 million in unpaid taxes that should have been collected by Sri Lanka Customs.
Further submissions revealed that vehicles imported into the country, particularly those displayed at motor shows, must be properly cleared by Sri Lanka Customs with the relevant taxes paid before being registered at the Department of Motor Traffic.
Investigations also disclosed that the third suspect served as the number-issuing officer at the Narahenpita office of the Motor Traffic Department. The fourth suspect was responsible for vehicle inspections, while the fifth suspect allegedly handled forwarding the relevant documents to the Werahera office.
Meanwhile, the first and second suspects are reported to have fled their residences.
The Bribery Commission told the court that further investigations are required, particularly as the vehicle had allegedly been purchased illegally. After considering all the facts presented, the magistrate ruled that bail could not be granted at this stage and ordered that the suspects be remanded until March 20.
