Sri Lanka Visa Controversy: Supreme Court Halts New System
Court Orders Restoration of Old Visa System
On August 2, 2024, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court issued a significant interim order, suspending the newly implemented visa process that had been met with widespread criticism. The court’s decision mandates the immediate reinstatement of the previous online visa system, following allegations of corruption exceeding $1 billion associated with the new scheme. This ruling comes amidst a backdrop of controversy involving an Indian consortium.
The new visa system, launched in April, was managed by a consortium comprising GBS Technology Services, the Indian-registered IVS Global Services, and VFS Global. The previous system, known for its efficiency and managed by Mobitel, a state-run telecom provider, was discarded despite its widespread acclaim. The overhaul aimed to modernize the visa process but instead faced backlash for escalating costs and operational issues.
Details of the Controversy
The shift to the new visa system has been fraught with controversy from the outset. The replacement of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, which was favored for its swift processing, led to a steep rise in visa fees, particularly impacting tourists. This increase raised concerns within Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which had been gradually recovering from the economic downturn of 2022 and the pandemic’s effects. The sector, crucial to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, was alarmed by the potential drop in tourist numbers due to the higher costs.
The situation escalated when a video surfaced in May, showing a Sri Lankan traveler expressing frustration over the involvement of Indian personnel at the visa counter at Bandaranaike International Airport. The video went viral, amplifying the public’s discontent with the new system.
Legal and Political Repercussions
The controversy prompted legal action from three Opposition parliamentarians—Champika Ranawaka, Rauf Hakeem, and M.A. Sumanthiran—who accused the Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles, and the government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe of facilitating a massive corruption scandal. The petitioners argued that the financial benefits from the visa project were disproportionately favoring the involved companies, estimated at around $1.4 billion, while Sri Lanka’s financial returns were minimal.
In response to these allegations, Transparency International Sri Lanka and tourism industry representatives also sought judicial intervention. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for October, marking a crucial juncture in addressing the allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
Current Status and Implications
Following the Supreme Court’s order, the new visa portal has been suspended as of August 3, 2024. The immediate reinstatement of the old visa system is aimed at minimizing disruption to travelers and the tourism sector. Nishad Wijetunga, president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, emphasized the urgency of restoring the previous system to avoid further complications.
As of the latest updates, visitors can only obtain visas through the on-arrival counter at Colombo’s international airport. Efforts to reach Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister and the Department of Immigration and Emigration for official comments on the situation have so far been unsuccessful.
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which saw over 1 million arrivals from January to June 2024 and generated nearly $1.5 billion in revenue, is closely monitoring the situation. The sector’s future stability and growth are contingent on resolving these issues swiftly and effectively.
Summary
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has suspended the new visa system due to corruption allegations and ordered the restoration of the previous online visa process. The controversy surrounding the system, involving an Indian consortium and allegations of significant financial misconduct, has raised concerns within the tourism industry and among the public. The legal proceedings and the reinstatement of the old system reflect ongoing efforts to address these issues and stabilize the sector.
Key Learning Points
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court Ruling | Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has ordered the suspension of the new visa system. |
| Corruption Allegations | The new system faced allegations of a billion-dollar corruption scandal. |
| Economic Impact | Increased visa costs have raised concerns in the tourism sector. |
| Legal Action | Opposition MPs and Transparency International have challenged the new system. |
| Current Status | The old visa system has been reinstated; the new portal is currently suspended. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
