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E-8 visa agreement unlawfully signed by ex-minister – SLBFE

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The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Kosala Wickramasinghe disclosed that the E-8 visa agreement with South Korea was signed unlawfully by the former minister, without obtaining Cabinet approval or proper government authorization.

In a recent statement, Wickramasinghe emphasized that no private employment agencies in Sri Lanka are permitted to send workers to South Korea under the E-8 visa system, nor to collect any fees associated with it. He highlighted significant public misconceptions surrounding the E-8 visa, noting that it is a short-term visa limited to five months, which poses potential risks and lacks sufficient government oversight.

“There is currently a debate around the E-8 visa system in Sri Lanka. These visas are only available for a five-month period, which could lead to various issues. This is why no government has sanctioned agreements under this category. No private agencies in Sri Lanka are authorized to send workers to Korea or collect money for this purpose”, he stated.

Wickramasinghe further explained that the former minister had independently pursued the E-8 visa arrangement with a provincial governor in South Korea’s Wando Province, bypassing the required governmental approvals.

The Foreign Employment Bureau, he added, cannot be held responsible for this unauthorized arrangement, which was not sanctioned by the South Korean government. He stated that upon learning of this agreement, South Korean authorities expressed concerns and have urged Sri Lanka not to facilitate worker placements under the E-8 visa.

Reaffirming the bureau’s commitment to the legal E-9 visa, Wickramasinghe stated, “The E-9 visa, which offers placements for four years and ten months, remains the proper and stable route for Sri Lankan workers in Korea. By the end of this year, we anticipate sending more than 7,000 individuals under this legal system, which ensures substantial income and job security. We strongly advise job seekers against paying for opportunities tied to the unauthorized E-8 visa”, he further added.

(adaderana.lk)

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

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South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron found dead at home

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South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron has been found dead at her home, a police official with knowledge of the case said on Sunday.

Kim, 24, was one of most promising actresses in South Korea, but her career took a hit after a drunk driving incident in 2022.

A friend who was going to meet Kim visited her home and discovered her and called the police, Yonhap News Agency said.

Police found no foul play, according to Yonhap.

The police official said police are investigating the cause of death but did not provide further details.

Source: Reuters

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NPP govt to present inaugural Budget today

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Finance Minister, will present the inaugural budget of the new government to Parliament today (17).

The budget speech is set to commence at 10:30 AM, outlining the administration’s economic priorities and development plans.

The budget debate will run from February 18 to March 21, with the committee stage debate beginning on February 27. The final vote on the third reading of the budget is scheduled for March 21.

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Major liquor smuggling racket busted in Delkanda

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A smuggling operation involving high-priced foreign liquor concealed among motor vehicle spare parts has been uncovered by the officers of the Central Anti-Corruption Task Force stationed in Walana, Panadura.

The raid, conducted on Saturday (15), targeted a motor vehicle spare parts shop in Delkanda owned by a well-known businessman, where a stock of foreign liquor worth around Rs. 10 million was discovered.

According to the Anti-Corruption Task Force, the liquor stock had been meticulously hidden among motor vehicle spare parts on the ground floor of the business premises.

A 59-year-old man from Maharagama, who was working as the store manager, was taken into custody in connection with the operation.

Investigations revealed that the businessman who owns the establishment also operates two nightclubs in Kollupitiya and Kotte. It was determined that the liquor concealed at the spare parts store was intended for use in these nightclubs. A senior police officer confirmed that the liquor bottles were cleverly hidden inside motor vehicle spare part boxes and transported into the country.

The Anti-Corruption Task Force had received intelligence about the smuggling ring from the unit’s Chief Inspector Indika Weerasinghe. Based on this information, Assistant Superintendent K.A. Udaya Kumara devised an operation, which was executed by a team led by Sub-Inspector Wimal and other officers.

(dailynews.lk)
(This story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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