SC Summons Immigration Controller Over E-Visa System Dispute

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Supreme Court has ordered the personal appearance of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration before the court today, following a contentious dispute over the government's e-visa system.

On August 2nd, the Supreme Court invalidated the government's decision to issue visas under the e-visa system. The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, through the Attorney General, had conveyed to the court the practical difficulties in implementing the prohibition order.

The order was issued by a bench after considering the petitions filed by Members of Parliament Patali Champika Ranawaka, Rauf Hakeem, and M.A. Sumanthiran, challenging the new visa system.

In response to these petitions, the Supreme Court had previously issued an interim order on August 2, blocking the new e-visa system and reinstating the previous visa issuance process.

During the hearing, the five-member bench, led by Supreme Court Justice Prithi Padman Surasena, considered the arguments presented by the Attorney General on behalf of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration. 

Justice Surasena emphasized that the failure to implement the court's order constitutes a violation of the Supreme Court's decision. 

Consequently, the court ordered the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration to appear in person to present the facts.

Petitioner M.A. Sumanthiran expressed that the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration's notification, stating the impracticality of implementing the court order, is an affront to the court's authority.