News Today: SLPP Politician Arrested for Possession of Illegally Imported Vehicles

A former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Western Provincial Council member, Amal Silva, was arrested on December 31 for possession of an illegally imported luxury vehicle. The Walana Central Anti-Corruption Unit uncovered a Mitsubishi jeep, resembling an Army vehicle, and two Land Rover jeeps assembled using forged documents.

The vehicles were seized by the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit and handed over to the Pinwatta Police. Further investigations revealed the use of fake documents to obtain license plates for the three vehicles. These plates were previously associated with vehicles removed from Government institutions and declared unfit for use.

Additional investigations led to the discovery of two Land Rover jeeps parked in a house in Ratmalana. The vehicles, worth Rs.70 million, are now being examined by the Government Analyst after being presented to the Court.

Police investigations also uncovered the suspect’s involvement in selling an illegally assembled jeep to the late former Deputy Minister Palitha Thewarapperuma, seized in 2011 and still under examination in the Mathugama Court.

While Amal Silva was released after providing a lengthy statement, the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit continues its investigations into the illegal importation and assembly of these luxury vehicles.