In brief
Sri Lankan investigators have begun extracting data from the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) in a probe into alleged fraud and corruption, following earlier arrests of four DMT officials. The operation, supported by technical specialists and anti‑corruption units, aims to uncover irregularities in vehicle registration and computerized records. No findings have yet been released and authorities have not named suspects.
Investigators in Sri Lanka have begun extracting data from the Department of Motor Traffic’s (DMT) computer systems at the behest of the Walana Anti‑Corruption Unit, a move reported by Xinhua local media on Friday. The probe seeks to identify irregularities and possible fraudulent activity across the department’s digital records. Technical specialists from the University of Colombo School of Computing, the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT), GovTech Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka Telecom are assisting the investigation.
The inquiry follows the June testimony of Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake, who told Parliament that findings by the Committee on Public Accounts and the Auditor General’s Department would be forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. Earlier in the year, in March, four current and former DMT officials were remanded over accusations of fraudulent vehicle registrations and manipulation of the department’s computerized records.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the results of the latest data extraction or named any suspects. Both Xinhua and other local media outlets say the probe is still in its early stages, with investigators working to sift through extensive data sets to pinpoint anomalies that could indicate corruption.
Observers note that the involvement of external technical experts signals a broader effort to address longstanding concerns about corruption within the DMT. However, the lack of publicly available findings means the investigation’s scope and potential outcomes remain unclear.
