News

Expedite Xpress Pearl investigation – court

Published

2 weeks ago

April 26, 2024

editor

Colombo Additional Magistrate – Keminda Perera yesterday (April 25) ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to complete the investigation regarding the Xpress Pearl incident and report the facts to the court immediately.

The magistrate also ordered that the audio tapes containing conversations between the stricken vessel and its local agent, to be submitted before the court.

However, the State Counsel who appeared on behalf of the CID when the case was taken up on Thursday (25), has sought a period of one month, in order to present facts in relation to the investigations.

The lawyers representing the captain of the destroyed ‘X-Press Pearl’ ship and the directors of the relevant local agent, who have been named as respondents of the case, noted that a trial with regard to the maritime calamity is already underway before the Colombo High Court.

They have also raised questions concerning the need for conducting further investigations into the same incident against this backdrop.

(Source : Aruna)

News

Sri Lanka’s visa fees to be unchanged

Published

8 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

10 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

10 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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