Former MPs welcome Supreme Court rule, pledges to fight against ‘e-visa fraud’

United Republican Front leader Patali Champika Ranawaka and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauf Hakeem yesterday vowed to continue the fight against what they termed as the "e-visa fraud," following the Supreme Court’s decision to remand the Controller General of Immigration for contempt of Court.

The move comes after the official failed to implement a Court order that suspended newly outsourced e-visa system, reverting to the old process. 

Ranawaka alongside former MPs M.A. Sumanthiran PC and Rauf Hakeem is leading the charge against the visa outsourcing, calling for accountability for those responsible.

“We filed a case against the e-visa fraud. The Supreme Court after examining the complaint ordered the return to the old ETA system until the case was resolved. However, the Controller General failed to implement the order due to the influence of the former Minister and President, who acted in defiance of the law,”Ranawaka said.

He claimed that the former Public Security Minister’s overwhelming ego is the primary cause for this. “The ruling also serves as an important lesson for public sector officials about blindly following politicians’ demands,” Ranawaka added.

He said yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling was the first step of the victory and they will not stop there.

“We will continue our fight until all those responsible for this fraud, including the politicians behind it are held accountable. The Supreme Court will decide on that in the future hearings,” he added.

Ranawaka also urged the newly appointed Public Security Ministry Secretary and the Attorney General to swiftly implement the Court’s order, stating that they had promised to act within 24 to 48 hours.

The petitions highlighted concerns over the legality and transparency of outsourcing visa operations, which have been criticised for imposing excessive fees and creating confusion within the travel and tourism industry.