News

Over 26,000 Expatriates await passport renewals

Published

1 week ago

March 10, 2025

editor

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, stated that more than 26,000 expatriates have submitted applications for new passports through Sri Lankan embassies and high commissions abroad.

The applications have been received by Sri Lankan embassies and high commissions abroad and have been pending for almost two years.

The Deputy Minister further stated that some individuals are also facing numerous problems due to the expiration of their passports.

The Deputy Minister further stated that some individuals are facing various issues due to the expiration of their foreign passports.

It has been reported that this issue has caused difficulties for expatriate workers and students studying overseas in carrying out their future activities.

A discussion has been held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment and the Department of Immigration and Emigration to find an immediate solution to the issue.

However, the Deputy Minister mentioned that efforts will be made to resolve the problem as much as possible before the end of this month and emphasized that the current government is not responsible for creating this crisis.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra also requested the public not to seek assistance from intermediaries when preparing foreign passports or obtaining information related to foreign employment.

News

Boossa Prison jailor remanded over ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ murder

Published

3 hours ago

March 17, 2025

editor

A Jailor at the Boossa Prison, who had brought underworld figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne also known as “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” to court on the day he was killed inside the Hulftsdorp court premises, has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

Subsequently, he has been ordered to be remanded until March 21, after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, Ada Derana reporter said.

Presenting the suspect to the court, the Colombo Crimes Division officials have stated that the murdered suspect, “Ganemulla Sanjeewa”, had been brought to court by the arrested Jailer on the day of the assassination.

Police informed the court that investigations are underway to determine whether the crime was committed due to the Jailor’s dereliction of duty.

Police also pointed out to the court that investigations have revealed that the suspected prison officer had not taken any steps to arrest the individual who shot at “Ganemulla Sanjeewa” within the court premises and fled.

During the trial, police also requested permission to obtain a record of the suspect’s mobile phone calls for further investigations.

The court granted permission for the requests and ordered the suspect to be remanded until March 21.

(adaderana.lk)

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