News

Elephant Census to be commenced!

Published

1 year ago

December 21, 2022

editor

An elephant census will be carried out in the country after 12 years since 2011, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

According to the last census, the elephant population in the country has exceeded 5,000.

Minister Amaraweera said the support of civil organizations, non-governmental organizations and environmentalists who are interested in this census will be sought since there are not enough wildlife officers to conduct the census.

Meanwhile, the Minister said that there is a great impact of elephants on Sri Lanka’s agricultural activities.

Therefore, he said the findings of this census will be vital in revealing the population of wild elephants in the country as well as in implementing the programme taken to prevent conflicts between wild elephants and humans.

News

Sri Lanka’s visa fees to be unchanged

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2024

editor

A cabinet decision was taken today (May 06) to maintain the existing $50 fee for a 30-day visa for foreigners visiting the country, the PMD announces.

It has also been decided to continue offering free visa services to citizens of 07 countries: India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, visa issuance responsibility will be handled solely by the Dept. of immigration & Emigration, the PMD adds.

News

180 passports found dumped in a drain!

Published

8 hours ago

May 6, 2024

editor

A bag with 180 passports has been found in a drain in the Maharagama area.

According to reports, the passports had been obtained by a foreign employment agency operating in the Maharagama area, promising foreign employment.

It is reported that the owner of the agency had fled the area, after duping a number of people and swindling nearly Rs. 260 million.

News

Immigration Dept says their power of approving visa not impacted

Published

8 hours ago

May 6, 2024

editor

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has stated that the methodology of the present e-visa system has not impacted the Department’s power of approving, issuing or not issuing visa, mentioned in the Immigrants and Emigrants Act No. 20 of 1948.

In a detailed statement, shown below, the department has elaborated as follows :

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