High-Ranking Officials Nabbed in Vehicle Registration Scam

Former top motor traffic officer among three arrested in shady GS-9164 transfer drama

In a twist that’s jolting public service circles, three government officials — including a once-powerful figure from the Department of Motor Traffic — have been arrested over the illegal registration of a vehicle that reportedly bypassed Sri Lanka Customs entirely.

At the centre of the case is a vehicle bearing the number GS-9164, which somehow got registered despite never being cleared by Customs — a glaring violation that triggered an investigation by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

From motor traffic boss to suspect in handcuffs

Suriya Priyangani Sirimanne, a former Assistant Commissioner at the Department of Motor Traffic who currently serves as Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Lands, has been taken into custody. Authorities allege she directly approved the illegal transfer of the vehicle — a move that raises serious questions about oversight and accountability.

Paper trails and quiet approvals

Also arrested was Sanjeewa Kumara, a Development Assistant from the Narahenpita branch of the Motor Traffic Department. He's accused of playing a hands-on role in executing the shady transfer. Meanwhile, Indika Lakshman Herath, a Supervisory Officer from the same department’s Investigation Division, allegedly issued the internal recommendations that helped push the transfer through.

High-Ranking Officials Nabbed in Vehicle Registration Scam

Former top motor traffic officer among three arrested in shady GS-9164 transfer drama

In a twist that’s jolting public service circles, three government officials — including a once-powerful figure from the Department of Motor Traffic — have been arrested over the illegal registration of a vehicle that reportedly bypassed Sri Lanka Customs entirely.

At the centre of the case is a vehicle bearing the number GS-9164, which somehow got registered despite never being cleared by Customs — a glaring violation that triggered an investigation by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

From motor traffic boss to suspect in handcuffs

Suriya Priyangani Sirimanne, a former Assistant Commissioner at the Department of Motor Traffic who currently serves as Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Lands, has been taken into custody. Authorities allege she directly approved the illegal transfer of the vehicle — a move that raises serious questions about oversight and accountability.

Paper trails and quiet approvals

Also arrested was Sanjeewa Kumara, a Development Assistant from the Narahenpita branch of the Motor Traffic Department. He's accused of playing a hands-on role in executing the shady transfer. Meanwhile, Indika Lakshman Herath, a Supervisory Officer from the same department’s Investigation Division, allegedly issued the internal recommendations that helped push the transfer through.

All roads lead to court

All three suspects are due to appear before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. While this may seem like a single case, whispers within administrative circles suggest this may not be an isolated incident — and that more names could surface if investigators follow the trail far enough.