Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, Kamal Amarasinghe, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) as part of an ongoing corruption investigation. The high-ranking official was taken into custody on Tuesday amidst allegations of misappropriation of state funds and abuse of power.
Amarasinghe has served as the head of Sri Lanka’s motor vehicle regulatory body since 2015, overseeing the issuance of licenses, vehicle registrations, and other critical functions. His arrest comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over corruption and financial irregularities within the Sri Lankan government.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the CID had been gathering evidence of Amarasinghe’s involvement in siphoning off funds from the Motor Traffic Department’s budget for personal gain. The probe is also examining allegations of improper awarding of vehicle import permits and licensing contracts.
While the details of the investigation remain under wraps, the arrest of such a senior official is seen as a significant development in the government’s efforts to root out graft and abuse of power within the public sector. It remains to be seen whether the case will lead to further high-level prosecutions in the coming weeks.
Opposition politicians and civil society groups have long demanded sweeping anti-corruption reforms, arguing that entrenched cronyism and lack of accountability have undermined public faith in Sri Lankan institutions. The ruling government has faced increasing pressure to deliver on its promises of good governance and transparency.
Analysts suggest that Amarasinghe’s arrest, if followed by a robust and impartial investigation, could signal a renewed commitment to tackling corruption. However, they caution that meaningful change will require a systemic overhaul of the country’s oversight mechanisms and a cultural shift in how public officials approach their responsibilities.
Moving forward, the case will be closely watched for its implications on the government’s anti-corruption agenda and its impact on public trust in Sri Lanka’s institutions.
