Controller General of Immigration and Emigration in hot water over visa deal

Colombo, September 13 (Daily Mirror) The Supreme Court today issued an order directing the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration to appear before the Court in person for his failure to implement the Supreme Court's order, which had suspended the Cabinet decision granting approval related to online and expat visa operations in Sri Lanka.

Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena, appearing for the Attorney General, informed court that the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration had notified the practical difficulties in implementing the court order.

The Supreme Court three-judge bench, comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Kumuduni Wickremasinghe, and Achala Wengappuli, observed that the failure to implement the court order amounted to contempt of court. 

President's Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran and Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC, appearing for the petitioners, reiterated the importance of issuing a rule against the respondent for failing to implement the Supreme Court order.

The Supreme Court made this order pursuant to several Fundamental Rights petitions filed challenging the procedural violations and abuse of public trust by officials in the procurement of private entities to handle the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for issuing visas to tourists visiting Sri Lanka, was taken up for support.
M.A. Sumanthiran PC, Rauff Hakeem and Patali Champika Ranawaka made their oral submissions while appearing in person. Upul Jayasuriya PC with Sithara Sampath Wijewardane appeared for Parliamentarian Ashoka Abeysinghe. Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC with Rukshan Senadheera appeared for Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda and Chandra Jayaratne. Senior Counsel Suren Gnanaraj appeared for the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators and several other petitioners. Senior Counsel Senani Dayaratne appeared for Transparency International Sri Lanka.

Dilrukshi Dias Wickremasinghe PC with Vishwa De Livera Tennakoon appeared for Attorney-at-Law S.M. Dissanayaka.

Additional Solicitor General Viveka Siriwardena appeared for the Attorney General.