News

3,000 Lankans facing possible deportation in US

Published

5 months ago

January 31, 2025

editor

Approximately 3,000 Sri Lankan nations are facing possible deportation as part of the crackdown by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations.

An official document posted by Fox News reports that as of November 24, 2024, there are 1,445,549 noncitizens on ICE’s non-detained docket with final orders of removal.

There are 3,065 Sri Lankan nationals among them.

The data emerges as the Trump administration, which took office this month, has initiated an aggressive immigration enforcement campaign.

Recent operations have already led to approximately 3,500 arrests of unauthorized immigrants across the United States, according to ICE statistics.

For context, Mexico tops the list with 252,044 individuals facing deportation orders, followed by El Salvador (203,822), Honduras (261,651), and Nicaragua (45,995). The total number of non-citizens with final removal orders stands at 1,445,549 as of November 24, 2024.

The ICE document also outlines several factors that can complicate deportations.

These include cases where individuals pursue asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture.

Additionally, the cooperation level of origin countries plays a crucial role in the removal process.

Countries’ cooperation is evaluated based on their willingness to confirm citizenship, conduct interviews, issue travel documents, and accept returns via commercial or charter flights.

The data release comes as part of ICE’s response to inquiries about individuals on the non-detained docket with final removal orders, providing a comprehensive breakdown by nationality and explaining the challenges in executing these orders.(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

Published

28 minutes ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, arrested

Published

39 minutes ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.