Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Monday, 30 December 2024 02:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday got tough on illegal entry narcotics during a discussion with the heads of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka Customs, and Airport and Aviation Services.
The discussion extensively focused on preventing the entry of narcotics and other prohibited substances into the country, curbing corruption, fraud, and irregularities within airport premises, and halting the unauthorised departure of individuals from the country.
During the meeting, President Dissanayake instructed the establishment of an integrated camera system and a unified observation room to be shared among the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka Customs, and Airport and Aviation Services.
The President also emphasised the need for a practical and modernised process to prevent smuggling, calling for the replacement of the current scanning equipment with advanced, modern scanners.
Highlighting the need to eliminate negative perceptions surrounding Sri Lanka Customs, the President underscored the urgency of implementing strict disciplinary and legal action to restore public confidence.
The discussion was attended by prominent officials, including Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Customs Director General Sarath Nonis, Acting Controller General of Immigration and Emigration B.M.D. Nilusha Balasuriya, and Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. Chairman Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Harsha Abeywickrema.
