A Safe Migration Promotion Unit (SMU) to prevent illegal emigration on forged visas through the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has been established at the departure terminal of the airport by Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manush Nanayakkara.
The minister said several individuals had left for Oman, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates on forged visas and it has created serious issues.
He said the Safe Migration Unit was established on the recommendations of the Ministry of Defense and the National Task Force to Prevent Human Smuggling to prevent the movement of passengers on illegal travel documents.
The SMU comprises officers of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, the CID, the Department of Immigration and Emigration and the State Intelligence Service.
Minister Nanayakkara said it would function as a pilot project for three months and will be further improved thereafter.
Chairman of the Airport and Aviation Company Maj. Gen. (Rtd) G.A. Chandrasiri, Airport Management Chief H.S. Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau Hilmi Azeez, General Manager Priyantha Senanayake and several senior police and CID officials were present at the occasion.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath today (May 14) met with the Canadian High Commissioner in Colomno to formally object to Canada’s approval and inauguration of a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton, Ontario.
Minister Herath had reiterated the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong objections regarding the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval of constructing such a monument, which complicates and undermines the government’s efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.The MFA statement issued in this regard is as follows :
Notorious underworld figure – Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, alias Harak Kata, has claimed that he is being detained in Tangalle over his refusal to pay a Rs. 300 million bribe allegedly demanded by former Public Security Minister – Tiran Alles and suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. He levelled the allegations before reporters today (May 14) while he was being escorted by police from the Colombo Court Complex following a court hearing.
“There are so many things to say… I will reveal them then,” he had said before being taken back into custody.
Popular tuition teacher Hayeshika Fernando, widely known as ‘Teacher Amma,’ was granted bail by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (May 14) over allegedly assaulting a young man.
Her husband and the manager affiliated to her institute, who were previously arrested over the incident, have also been granted bail.
Hayeshika, who had been missing afterwards, had surrendered to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today.
(Previous News on 14th May, 2025 at 3:33pm)
Tutor Hayeshika surrenders to court
Popular tutor – Hayeshika Fernando, who had been evading arrest, has surrendered to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.
President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, appearing on behalf of the accused, informed the court that his client had voluntarily surrendered.
Hayeshika’s husband and the manager of the institution she is affiliated with were recently arrested over the alleged assault of a young man.
However, Hayeshika had remained at large until her court appearance today. Three police teams were also appointed to arrest her.