Expatriate workers returning for Presidential election facing difficulties due to visa, passport cirisis: NPP

9 September 2024 02:27 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 47 Bookmark

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Colombo, September 9 (Daily Mirror)- Sri Lankan expatriate workers who are planning to come to Sri Lanka to vote at the upcoming Presidential election are facing difficutlies due to the current visa and passort crisis in the country, NPP MP Vijitha Herath said today.

He told a news conference that a large number of Sri Lankan expatriate workers were expecting to retrun to the country for the elelction and said those whose passports have expired are facing difficulties in renewing their passports.

The MP said they doubt if the government has purposly allowed the issues to aggravate.

Comments - 47

Ganesh Monday, 09 September 2024 02:42 PM

Why do Sri Lankan Passport holders need a visa to re-enter the country?

2 119

Jill Monday, 09 September 2024 02:47 PM

A passport has to be atleast 6 months valid if you want to travel back!

7 44

Yohan Monday, 09 September 2024 05:25 PM

What a foolish logic to show trach herath is correct. Tell me how are these individuals going to stay overseas if the passport is about to expire. Those who have obtained foreign citizenship are trying to come here and vote illegally. Government should carefully check any SL coming here during election time.

3 33

Priyanee Wijesekera Monday, 09 September 2024 02:53 PM

Exactly ! We saw an earlier video clip of a crowd of people in NPP T shirts descending an escalator supposed to be coming from a middle eastern country to vote for AKD. That was obviously a hoax because no of those travellers were carrying hand luggage or even a handbag The NPP should be ashamed to depend on false propaganda .

12 75

Dilakshan Seneviratne Monday, 09 September 2024 04:29 PM

Should the NPP be responsible for everything every supporter does? Anyway, why is this of concern to you. People have the freedom to come down an escalator. Some people put everything they do on Facebook too. Do you comment on all those too?

85 23

SOME PEOPLE TRAVEL WITH NO BAGGAGE AND TAKE BAGGAGE BACK OF PURCHASES IN SRI LANKA AND OR GIFTS GIVEN BY FAMILY. Monday, 09 September 2024 04:59 PM

EXPAT WORKERS DO NOT NEED LUGGAGE ETC, THEY FLY IN VOTE AND SPEND A FEW DAYS WITH FAMILY, PURCHASE NEW CLOTHES, SHOES ETC AND RETURN BACK TO WORK. SOME FAMILY MEMBERS TRAVEL WITH NOTHING AND RETURN WITH THREE BAGS FULL, EVEN THOSE TRAVELLING OUT OF THE COUNTRY. WHAT'S THE BIG ISSUE???

44 17

Shariq Monday, 09 September 2024 03:01 PM

It’s most likely guys who renounced their citizenship but didn’t inform the local authorities about it. They keep their NIC to vote, place the vote, and then go back to their own county.

5 54

Tissa Fernando Monday, 09 September 2024 10:15 PM

Those who got citizenship of another coubtry would need to apply to become a dual citizen, without that viting with old ID is illegal .is NPP encouraging that? So where is the corruption free mindset here?

6 32

Fernando Monday, 09 September 2024 03:07 PM

It's same question came to my mind.

5 33

Two different issues Monday, 09 September 2024 03:15 PM

There seems to be twin issues - those who are citizen of foreign country and those who are Sri Lankan national but their passport has expired.

9 39

Gamini Wijesiri Tuesday, 10 September 2024 12:39 AM

These bl. patriots, even don’t have a valid passport of their country. Without being in the country for many years, how can they include their name in the electoral register? For the attention of the Election Commissioner. They haven’t done anything to motherland. The real national heroes (rata viruvo) who send remittance to this country are suffering abroad to send money to Sri Lanka. They don’t have wealth to come Sri Lanka to cast their vote.

0 1

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 10 September 2024 04:46 AM

This Herath is same category like Sajith but less talkative than him. He does not know what he is talking about like their other party members who called Elon Musk an economic hitman and later apologised.They are clueless in government affairs but are well experienced in destructive and disruptive activities.

0 2

Mahila Tuesday, 10 September 2024 06:35 AM

These INEPT Courtiers, who don't know Head or Tail of Administration, would PERFORM EXCELLENTLY, TO MAKE SRI LANKA SUPREME IN THE WORLD!!?? WHY ds SL Citizen’s need SL Passport or Visa - A VALID NIC, should suffice the purpose!!?? These guys weren't possibly existing –Late1970's, when well-known 'Theatrist – Actor', landed on NE SL beach, the police produced him before the Courts as Illicit Immigrant, the courts’ determined, that SL CITIZEN don't need Passport or Visa to return to his own country (AS CITIZENS), unless he has revoked his SL citizenship to obtain his foreign RESIDENCE VISA AS REFUGEE, in whatever country of domicile NOW!? NOT allowed TO VOTE at SL ELECTIONS!? LIMITED to SL CITIZENS, and NONE OTHER!? Definitely ‘NOT AVAILABLE TO economic refugees - “SUGAR CANDY BARGAINERS”!?

1 1

Wera Tuesday, 10 September 2024 09:33 AM

Only Sri Lankan Passport holders are deemed to be Citizens of Sri Lanka. Only they can vote. Foreign passport holders of Sri Lankan birth aka the ones that need a visa cannot vote. It is illegal for them to vote. Therefore, this idiot is crying because illegal voters cannot come to the country and vote. Dual citizens also can vote. Dual citizens hold both a Sri Lankan and a foreign passport. SO this is only one issue the issue of expired Sri Lankan passports being unable to be renewed. If you need a visa to come to Sri Lanka you should be arrested if you vote. If a simple thing like this is misunderstood by NPP/JNP seniors what a disaster for the country if they get into power.

0 1

2 cents Monday, 09 September 2024 02:47 PM

How would the visa or passport be an issue? Only SL citizens (and dual citizens) can vote right? Which means they dont need a visa to come back to SL. And for the passport matter - how can one work and live in another country with an expired passport? So the passport issue becomes a non-issue as well!

3 84

AS USUAL LOOKS ANOTHER SPOKE IN THE WHEELS OF POLITICS TO PREVENT THEIR OPPOSITION SUPPORTERS FROM VOTING. Monday, 09 September 2024 05:04 PM

USUALLY PASSPORTS ARE ONLY A DOCUMENT FOR IDENTIFICATION WHEN ONE IS LEAVING THE COUNTRY BY AIR OR SEA/ IN MOST COUNTRIES IT IS A DOCUMENT THAT IS REQUIRED FOR IDENTIFICATION WHEN MOVING FROM ONE COUNTRY TO ANOTHER, WHICH IS SOME CASES ARE BY AIR, SEA, RAIL OR ROAD.

4 15

Damayantha de Silva Tuesday, 10 September 2024 08:08 AM

Got to know some of Red T shirts landed in Sri Lanka use foreign passports. At least they don't have a valid local passport. If they are not entering to the country without a valid local passport can they enjoy the rights of Sri Lankan. They are not citizens of Sri Lanka. How these people have voting rights and properties in Sri Lanka. Govt. needs to take the list of from customs and investigate.

0 2

Hiran Shanaka Monday, 09 September 2024 02:57 PM

You’re running a good campaign. Why do you wanna say silly things such as this and spoil it?

9 43

Gabriella Monday, 09 September 2024 05:57 PM

Well said ! If this clown opens his mouth; it spews bullshit.

3 44

Sri Lankan Citizen Monday, 09 September 2024 02:57 PM

Why is the NPP relying on individuals who don’t even hold Sri Lankan passports? It's crucial to place your trust in the people you aim to serve first.. not those rich foreigners..!

8 106

Chris Monday, 09 September 2024 02:59 PM

As usual this idiot talking nonsense. They should vote and stay to watch the fun.

2 100

Ganesh Monday, 09 September 2024 03:16 PM

Unless they want the patriotic dual Citizens to come and vote them to power just like they did in 2019 and leave us in the dark to face the consequences.

1 34

Karolis Monday, 09 September 2024 03:24 PM

Last time you expats came waving Lion flags to vote Pohottuwa. Then you left. After 2 years you were still enjoying your luxury lives in abroad happily commenting on Facebook while people here were dying in queues. You are repeating the same now. You better stay where you are and let people in the country decide what they want.

1 49

Ravi Monday, 09 September 2024 03:26 PM

Lies Lies Lies. Damn. Do you think we are fools to believe your lies? Why Sri Lankans need to get visas? lol

1 41

RF Monday, 09 September 2024 03:27 PM

They call them educated. Making silly statements like this will get people to think if they can run a country??? This statement will make them lose some votes for sure...

1 37

politics Monday, 09 September 2024 03:40 PM

This is mere misuse of fundamental rights of people. Ranil and his cohort misuse their power to deny these from voting. NPP should take all these people to court.

33 7

Grow up will you Monday, 09 September 2024 06:56 PM

You are same as Vijitha Herath. Who needs a visa to come to this country if he/she is still a Srilankan citizen? Only Srilankan citizens can vote for an election. Also, no one can stay in a foreign country with an expired passport.

1 43

Dee Monday, 09 September 2024 03:44 PM

All bull talk of people coming to vote! A SriLankan working abroad don’t need visas to come! If someone needs a visa- he/she is not eligible to vote! Anyway the way the fake digital media of JVP is saying , Sri Lankan airports needs to be ready to accept about 50 plane loads of NPP(JVP) voters alone to arrive daily! All these are desperate fake stories

0 38

DHA Monday, 09 September 2024 04:06 PM

I hope this guy doesn't become a foreign minister in case NPP wins the general election!!! What a stupid comment either way it takes about 3 months to renew a passport when you apply from abroad..I was abroad when I applied for my renewal passport it took me 60 days....and when you arrive in the country they just stamp your arrival at immigration....seems like we have to go with the devil rather than vote for someone who doesn't have experience to run a nation during crisis...

3 61

SOME OF YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED OF WELL THE COUNTRY WILL BE RUN UNDER ANURA/NPP, WITH CORRUPTION ETC WIPED OUT MORE HELP COULD BE GIVEN TO THE POOR AND NEEDY. Monday, 09 September 2024 05:24 PM

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVT OF THE DAY TO INFORM ALL THOSE EXPATS WELL IN ADVANCE THROUGH THEIR EMBASSIES, H.C. SO THAT THEY HAVE THE REQUIRED TIME TO GET THEIR DOCUMENTS IN ORDER TO TRAVEL TO VOTE. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE SYSTEM WHERE PEOPLE CAN VOTE THROUGH THEIR EMBASSIES ETC BY CALLING UP AND REQUESTING FOR A POSTAL VOTE ??. CITIZENS WHO ARE RESIDENT VISA HOLDERS OF OTHER COUNTRIES CAN STILL VOTE, DUAL AND CITIZENS TOO. HIGH COMMISSIONS ETC SHOULD HAVE DETAILS OF ALL SRI LANKANS LIVING OVERSEAS AND SHOULD BE SENDING THEIR POSTAL VOTES OUT BY MAIL/EXPRESS AND OR REGISTERED AS SOME EXPATS LIVE IN AREAS THAT HAVE NO EASY ACCESS TO OUR OFFICES ABROAD.

4 2

Get real and open your eyes to the lies Monday, 09 September 2024 04:10 PM

Expat workers don't need a visa to come home. Employers don't give leave like that anyway considering the elections date was set only recently. These workers care more about providing for their families than voting. They will not dare risk their jobs. Do you know any expat workers who are coming especially to vote? Neither do I.

0 27

Jayampathi Tuesday, 10 September 2024 10:27 AM

They are not expat workers. These are people who migrated to other countries. Most probably the duel citizens and foreign citizens.

1 0

Anand J Monday, 09 September 2024 04:12 PM

As usual majority like frogs in a well, how about if your spouse and kids are non Sri Lankans. NPP MUST win this Presidential election to change these monkeys for good.

23 6

Man Tuesday, 10 September 2024 09:54 AM

Their policies in short; (i) Collecting 500 US $ each from Sri Lankan's who have migrated or abroad. (ii) Printing money (SL) resulting inflation (iii) Sell whatever available (iv) Take over all the Fixed deposits of Sri Lankans. (v) Money that swindled or illegally earned, to be made legal for using for government expenses. (vi) Devolution of Judicial power to carders with dispute resolution councils, like in 1988-90. (vii) Allowing loans for public without any guarantor so that the depositors will have no money in their accounts. What a change indeed!

0 4

sam Monday, 09 September 2024 04:13 PM

Only Sri Lankans can vote and what visa for them?

1 26

Has Vijitha Herath ever travelled abroad in life? Monday, 09 September 2024 04:21 PM

There is a saying as follows. "Monkey praises its own tail".This man is trying to give an impression that the whole heap of our workers are lining up at airports to come back to vote for JVP. This idiot does does not know basic requirement to travel home. At the current price of Air tickets, those who work abroad would rather take the cost of air ticket in in cash and work at the same place.

1 24

nad Monday, 09 September 2024 04:44 PM

Children or partners coming with some people may need to get visa.

6 10

Yohan Monday, 09 September 2024 04:48 PM

What a joke. Why Sri Lankans needs a visa to reenter. This guy is joining the track Haduns comedy team. Worse political party with brainless guys.

1 36

Indika Wijerathna Monday, 09 September 2024 04:51 PM

What rubbish are you talking about? If they need a visa to enter SL, it means they don't have voting rights here.

1 21

Mahagon Waduge Monday, 09 September 2024 04:55 PM

No wonder. Some of the NPP supporters in European countries who are pretending to be extreme patriots, are not Srilankan citizens any more. They are head over heels about AKD but cannot even vote here.

2 22

Sam Silva Monday, 09 September 2024 05:24 PM

Very true. Our people think npp will perform miracles in miracle of Asia and all our problems will disappear. We all going to get free money from the rich people and don't have to work any more. This is the main reason our progress in our country is very slow. One step forward and two steps backwards.

0 11

Tissa Fernando Monday, 09 September 2024 10:17 PM

As someone has pointed out, they may still be having their old ID and included in the election register. So they could vote but illegal. NPP guy is so petty minded to make this statement.

1 30

ExJVPer Monday, 09 September 2024 06:22 PM

The same crowed who came to vote for Gota is returning to push another president down our throat? By the way, if JVP wins, no body needs to go back, they all can stay in Sri Lanka and enjoy paradise here under JVP government. So, stop crying.

1 10

roobarbie Monday, 09 September 2024 06:28 PM

Expatriates with voting rights do not need visas to enter their own country. Who is demanding visas from them. Nonsense.

0 12

RanjithT Monday, 09 September 2024 11:11 PM

According to statistics only 21073 have come from 1st to 5th of this month. It is roughly 5000 per day. It is the average over the year. JVP is trying to give an impression to gullible jokers so many are coming. In any case what has visa got to do with sri lankans? They do not need to have a visa. JVP is trying to fish in troubled waters and claim they lost because of visa issue. The statements done by some JVPers send chilling and fearful memories of 71 and 87/89 era.

0 2

Sambo Tuesday, 10 September 2024 07:50 AM

Probably yes. They will make every ditch to make it happen.

0 0

Terrence K Tuesday, 10 September 2024 08:59 AM

It shows that you cannot depend on the local voter base even to keep the JVP above the waters as you have realized that your bullshit talk is a flop and now you are trying to import expatriates to come to the rescue whilst these expatriates have sworn their allegiance to the countries they are domiciled. Don't cry over spilt milk these are happenings which will continue in future years since Promises are to be Broken as in the past of "Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour" which resulted in "Bankruptcy"!!!!!!

0 0

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