News

Nearly 11,000 public complaints received so far – HRCSL

Published

9 months ago

July 29, 2023

editor

The Chairman of the Human Rights Commission retired Supreme Court Justice Mr L.T.B. Dehideniya and other members called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat Yesterday afternoon (28).

The President’s Media Division issued a statement and further stated:

During the meeting, they apprised the President of the considerable volume of public complaints received by the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission, which has reached nearly 11,000. They also raised concerns about the challenges arising from a shortage of staff in effectively addressing these complaints.

In response, President Ranil Wickremesinghe assured them that prompt measures would be taken to address the staff shortage issue and find swift solutions to the pending complaints. He emphasized the importance of resolving these matters efficiently.

Furthermore, the President requested the Human Rights Commission to expeditiously develop and present a comprehensive set of guidelines for government officials and the police. He believed that such guidelines could potentially help reduce the number of complaints reaching the Commission.

Among those present at the meeting were President’s Secretary, Mr Saman Ekanayake, the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, retired Supreme Court Justice Mr L.T.B. Dehideniya, and other members, including Prof. Thaiyamuthu Thanaraj, Prof. Fatima Farsana Hanifa and Mr Nimalasena Gardiya Pundihewa.

News

Prof. Nalin de Silva no more

Published

6 hours ago

May 2, 2024

editor

Philosopher, intellectual and academician Professor Nalin de Silva has passed away at the age of 79. Prof. de Silva initially served as a professor in the Department of Mathematics and later as the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Kelaniya.

He was also a former member of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

In addition to his academic pursuits, de Silva also worked as a former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar.

News

‘Company issuing visa at BIA not Indian or Indian based’

Published

10 hours ago

May 2, 2024

editor

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.”

News

Chaos at BIA raises questions (Video)

Published

12 hours ago

May 2, 2024

nipuni

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.