Some officials in key state departments who should be preventing crime and corruption are themselves engaging in such illegal practices, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, speaking out on the recent Presidential pardon scandal.
Speaking during an event to commemorate Poson Poya in Mihintale, the President said not all but some officials have been found to be engaging in corruption.
“The Prisons Department is illegally releasing inmates. Some Police officers have now become the protectors of criminals, instead of curtailing crime. The Immigration Department, which should ensure the prevention of fake passports, is now issuing forged passports to underworld leaders. The Motor Traffic Department, which is responsible for the legal registration of vehicles, is now engaged in corruption in exchange for money. This is the state of the country,” he said.
President Dissanayake pointed out that however, several immigration, DMT, Prison and Police officers were recently arrested in connection with their corrupt activities.
Pointing out that social structure has collapsed, the President emphasised the need to reform and rebuild the state departments, making them corruption-free.
“Citizens do not view these institutions with confidence or peace of mind. Therefore, a well-disciplined civic programme must be established to foster a sense of civic responsibility among the people,” he added.
His remarks come after it was recently uncovered that convicted banker W. M. Athula Tilakaratne’s release from the Anuradhapura Prison under the 2025 Vesak Day Presidential Pardon was unauthorised.
The President approves the Presidential pardons, but Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara confirmed that the inmate’s name was not on the official list of 388 inmates approved for pardon for the Vesak Festival. (Newswire)