COPF calls for forensic audit on outsourcing visa process

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has recommended the conduct of a forensic  audit of the visa process outsourcing deal which the Sri Lankan government has signed with VFS Global and a possible cancellation if needed, citing serious irregularities pertaining to the deal.

COPF Chairman MP Harsha de Silva who presented the report on the investigations carried out by the Parliamentary Committee to the House said his committee has recommended the cancellation of the deal or its amendment.

“We have also recommended a forensic audit on the tender procedure but the Auditor General has informed us that he has already begun such an audit. We request that this is completed soon and the report be handed over to Parliament and to the other relevant institutions such as the CID and the Bribery Commission,” he said.

MP de Silva revealed that VFS global is not the prime contractor of the deal.

“Those involved in the deal are G.B.S. Technologies Services and IVS Global the authorised representative's organizations and VF World which is also a partner. The exclusivity granted to the Consortium contradicts the presence of existing service providers and the recommendation by the evaluation committee according to him.