• I planned my trip to the USA and Canada following the assurance given by my lawyers that there is no travel ban imposed on me

By Yohan Perera and T. K. G Kapila

Whilst highlighting that a systems error in the computer network of the Emigration Department had led to his delay at the Katunayake International Airport on Thursday night, Former State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake said he managed to get the clearance to travel to the USA yesterday.

“I planned my trip to the USA and Canada following the assurance given by my lawyers that there is no travel ban imposed on me. However, the issue is that the computer network of the Emigration Department has not been updated,” Ramanayake told Daily Mirror.

“I have spoken to the relevant sources and the matter has been resolved, and I will get on with my trip shortly,” he said.

Former State Minister who arrived at the Katunayake international airport last night was not allowed to leave the country and was turned away by the Immigration and Emigration officials, a Department spokesman said.
He intended to board the Qatar Airways aircraft at 8.15 last night, en route to the USA for a musical show and for the screening of his film ‘Game’ in the USA.

• Former State Minister who arrived at the Katunayake international airport last night was not allowed to leave the country and was turned away by the Immigration and Emigration officials