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India’s Constitution Day celebrations in SL
India’s ‘Constitution Day’ was observed through a series of events organized by the High Commission of India, Colombo on 26 November 2022. The special day marked the adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26 November 1949.
More than 200 school children from different parts of Sri Lanka enthusiastically participated in the Children’s Art Competition organized on 26 November 2022. Themes of the Competition such as ‘Incredible India’ and ‘Fundamental Duties’ were closely linked to India and her Constitution which helped the young and creative students from Sri Lanka develop a closer understanding of their civilizational partner, India. High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, who was the Chief Guest at the Competition, complimented families and teachers of the children for nurturing the talents of the next generation by encouraging them to participate in such competitions.
In order to instill a sense of environmental responsibility and care for future generations in the children, a unique workshop which gave training on creating beautiful environment-friendly art works from waste materials was also organized on the occasion. A tailor-made exhibition – ‘Making of Indian Constitution’ – gave the pictorial history and background of events and milestones that made the world’s largest written Constitution a reality.
The High Commissioner and officials of the High Commission paid floral tributes to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, main architect of the Indian Constitution on Constitution Day, 2022. Earlier, preamble of the Constitution which professes guiding principles of India was read out by the High Commissioner and Indian officials in Sri Lanka.
Following the adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26 November 1949, it came into effect on 26 January 1950. Indians across the world celebrate ‘Republic Day’ every year with great fervor to mark this momentous occasion. The Indian Constitution, which has drawn from best practices and procedures of various countries, has been the main anchor and basis for decision making for policy makers of India.
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Prof. Nalin de Silva no more
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‘Company issuing visa at BIA not Indian or Indian based’
The Indian High Commission in Colombo has issued a statement over reports of Indian companies taking over visa issuance at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.
The statement notes “companies referred to in these reports are not India based or Indian and are headquartered elsewhere. Any reference to India in this context is unwarranted.”
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Chaos at BIA raises questions (Video)
Questions have been raised after chaos at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake last night (May 01) has sparked widespread outrage.
This is with regard to a controversial takeover of the on-arrival visa issuance process at BIA by an Indian company – VFS Global since yesterday evening.
It is learnt that the company has levied an extra $25 alongside the standard $75 fee.
Long lines of frustrated travellers were also seen at the airport for several hours, which is a stark difference to the procedure smoothly managed in a matter of mere minutes by the Immigration and Emigration Department in the past.
Footage of a Sri Lankan citizen expressing outrage over Indian nationals deciding visa matters for fellow Sri Lankans, has also been making rounds on social media.
Although 10 Sri Lankan and Indian officers had commenced work from 5.00pm yesterday, the lines remained well over 9.00pm. Amid tensions, higher officials of the BIA and security forces had also arrived at the premises.
At 11.30pm the company officials temporarily suspended issuing visas and left the BIA with the money collected, reports say.
Upon the directive of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Ilukpitiya, Immigration officers have commenced their usual duties with no issues since then, enabling the previous process to continue smoothly.
Concerns have been raised over the lack of transparency in this arrangement.
Prof. Nalin de Silva no more
‘Company issuing visa at BIA not Indian or Indian based’
Chaos at BIA raises questions (Video)
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