New passport application system from June
The Immigration and Emigration Controller General, Mr Harsha Ilukpitiya, announced that President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s initiative to digitize public services includes the implementation of an online passport application system in the coming days.This new process aims to streamline the passport application process and ensure that passports are delivered to applicants’ residences within a span of three days.
During his appearance on the ‘101 Katha’ program produced by the Presidential Media Division, he highlighted the development of this procedure and its wide availability.
To facilitate the efficient delivery of passports, 50 regional secretariats across the island have been equipped with the necessary facilities. Once applicants submit their relevant applications to the nearest Regional Secretariat and complete the required procedures, the passport will be dispatched to their residence via a courier service within three days.
This initiative comes in response to reports of brokers causing disruptions in the passport issuance process. As a result, Minister of Public Security, Mr. Tiran Alas, issued instructions to the Immigration and Emigration Department to develop an innovative program to eliminate such interference. The department aims to popularize this newly designed program during the month of June, marking a significant milestone in its history. Achieving a successful execution of this program during the department’s 75th anniversary next year would be a remarkable accomplishment.Under the new system, individuals can conveniently apply for passports from their homes by visiting www.immigration.gov.lk. By selecting the ‘Apply for passports’ option and validating the provided information, applicants will receive the necessary application form. Before uploading the soft copy of the form, applicants can specify whether they prefer the expedited ’03 day service’ or the standard ’02 week service.’
Following this, applicants must visit their Divisional Secretariat to provide their fingerprints and make the required payment via the online system offered by the Bank of Ceylon. For those unable to complete the process at home, they can visit an authorized photo studio under the Immigration and Emigration Department to obtain the necessary documents and fulfil the requirements.
In case individuals encounter difficulties making online payments after visiting the Divisional Secretariat and providing their fingerprints, alternative payment facilities are available. After submitting their fingerprints, the Divisional Secretariat will provide a designated number, which can be presented to the Bank of Ceylon. The amount due will then be transferred to the Immigration and Emigration Department.
To support these efforts, fingerprint scanners and cameras have been deployed in the 50 Divisional Secretariat Offices, and the Department of Posts has introduced a dedicated courier service.Through a collaborative arrangement with the postal service, passports will be delivered to applicants’ residences using this courier service, ensuring a swift three-day turnaround.
Furthermore, comprehensive measures have been implemented to prevent any irregularities in the process, with the utilization of advanced technology to the fullest extent possible to maintain efficiency and integrity.
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A complaint filed with the Criminal Investigation Department claims that the overseas funding sources of Manju Nishshanka, are not clear.
The complaint, filed by Oshala Herath, Attorney-at-Law Namal Rajapaksa and Sepala Amarasinghe alleges that Manju Nishshanka, who is said to be the leader of the political movement – Global Sri Lankan Congress, has violated the Election Expenses Regulation Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
They have also revealed that Manju Nishshanka holds citizenship in the UK and the US in addition to that in Sri Lanka.
Noting that the Global Sri Lankan Congress is an unregistered political movement in the country, the complaint states that the movement has backed a political party called “Arunalu Janatha Party” in 05 LG bodies in Gampaha district and 01 LG body in the Southern Province.
Noting that Mr. Nishshanka has spent around Rs. 30 million for the election campaign of MP Mr. Nalaka Godaheva during the last General Election, the complaint also points out that he was later given a ministerial advisor position as well as a directorship falling under the State Ministry of Urban Development while Godahewa held the position of its state minister.
The complaint claims that he has been occupying the 6th floor of the Access Building in Colombo for more than a year now as his business and political headquarters, paying Rs. 05 or more as rent.
In addition, he also owns apartments at the ‘On 320 Residencies’ and Shangri-La apartments, the complaint further says.
Noting that Manju has a house in New York, USA for which he owes over USD 600,000, the complaint alleges that the sources from which he receives foreign funding for his expenses in Sri Lanka raises doubts.
The complainants urge authorities to look into this.
The Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara says that they are expecting to release the results of the 2022 G.C.E Advanced Level examination in August.
Joining a press briefing held today (May 30), Mr. Jayasundara stated that provisions required to release the relevant results without delays are already underway.
The 12th Sri Lanka- China Diplomatic Consultations were successfully held today (30), the Foreign Ministry says.
The event, held at the Foreign Ministry, was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka – Aruni Wijewardane and the Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs – Sun Weidong.
