The government has issued a statement following the recent chaos at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake and allegations over outsourcing the on arrival visa process.
In a statement, the Department of Government Information refutes claims stating that the on arrival visa process has been outsourced sans a cabinet decision. It notes that Cabinet approval was granted last September to a proposal tabled by Minister Tiran Alles.
As per the procurement process, it was outsourced to VFS Global, a company with over 3388 centres across 151 countries, it adds.
The statement also mentions that the government has decided to look into issues that had recently taken place due to the company’s visa issuing process.
It adds that reports claiming that the entire visa process has been outsourced to a foreign company, are also baseless, clarifying only the facilitation work for visa issuance has been assigned to this company.
The statement also notes that the government will take necessary action against officials who are challenging the aforementioned cabinet decision in action or by issuing statements.
A Cabinet sub-committee has been appointed on June 23 to study the current situation in the Middle East.
Chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism – Vijitha Herath, the ministers Wasantha Samarasinghe, Kumara Jayakody and Samantha Vidyarathna have been named as the other committee members.
Additionally, a committee of ministry secretaries have been appointed.
Meanwhile, speaking to media, Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure – Samantha Vidyarathna has said that the Government will take all possible measures to minimise the impact that the Israel-Iran conflict will have on local businesses, the country’s economy and the daily lives of all Sri Lankans.
A young man has died after being assaulted with a helmet during an altercation in Halwathura, Bulathsinhala.
Police said the incident occurred following an argument between the victim and another individual.
The victim was initially admitted to Horana Hospital, later transferred to Colombo National Hospital, and then returned to Horana Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased is a 30-year-old resident of Halwathura, Bulathsinhala, police said.
A 23-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident, and investigations are underway by the Bulathsinhala Police.
