Sri Lanka launches data probe into alleged corruption at Motor Traffic Department

COLOMBO, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan investigators have begun extracting data from the Department of Motor Traffic's (DMT) computer systems as part of an investigation into alleged fraud and corruption, local media reported Friday.

An inoperative traffic light is seen during a nationwide outage, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Oct. 17, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

The operation involves officers from the Walana Anti-Corruption Unit, supported by technical specialists from the University of Colombo School of Computing, Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT), GovTech Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Telecom.

Investigators are examining the department's digital records to identify possible irregularities and suspected fraudulent activities reported to have occurred over an extended period.

The investigation comes amid longstanding concerns over corruption at the department.

In June, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament that findings by the Committee on Public Accounts and the Auditor General's Department concerning alleged corruption at the DMT would be referred to the Attorney General's Department and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Earlier, in March, four current and former DMT officials were remanded over allegations including fraudulent vehicle registrations and the manipulation of computerized records.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the findings of the latest data examination or identified any suspects in connection with the operation.