News

President orders probe into notice for Russian & Ukrainian tourists to leave SL

Published

1 year ago

February 25, 2024

nipuni

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has initiated an investigation into the notification issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, requiring Russian and Ukrainian tourists to leave the country within 14 days.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) reported that the notification was released without prior approval from the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Government of Sri Lanka has not officially decided to revoke the visa extensions granted to Russian and Ukrainian tourists staying in the country since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration’s recent notice had given a 14-day period from February 23 for these tourists to leave.

The decision to investigate was prompted by concerns that the department’s notice was issued without the necessary approval processes.

The notice cited concerns over certain foreign tourists engaging in illegal businesses in the country as the reason for the decision.

Further updates on the investigation and the status of visa extensions for Russian and Ukrainian tourists in Sri Lanka will be provided as the situation develops.

News

“Reports of Wijepala – Nissanka meeting, fake”

Published

11 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Public Security Ministry has denied media reports claiming that the Public Security minister – Ananda Wijepala had met Nissanka Senadhipathi.

The Minister’s media secretary had clarified this in a letter to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya.
Adding that the neither the Minister or a representative had ever met Senadhipathi as claimed, the letter calls for proper investigations into the fake news and legal action against those responsible.

News

Special allowance for policemen on duty at ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’

Published

15 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

A special transport allowance and a combined allowance will be provided to police personnel assigned to ensure the safety of devotees attending the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Siri Dalada Vandanawa) in Kandy, the police said.

The measure has been taken over the instructions of the Acting IGP, in consideration of the fact that these police personnel will be on continuous day and night duty for over 10 days, away from their regular stations and incurring additional personal expenses.

News

Ravi K’s Bill to repeal Online Safety Act, gazetted

Published

15 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Bill to repeal the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, and other regulations concerning the Act, has been gazetted.

The Online Safety Bill was passed by a majority vote in Parliament on Jan. 24, 2024.

The Bill that has been gazetted was submitted by opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake.

On Feb. 28, 2025, MP Karunanayake submitted a private member’s Bill to the Parliament Secretary-General, aiming to repeal the controversial Online Safety Act.