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Opposition leader and SJB Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa
Opposition leader and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa yesterday pledged to expose those responsible for the ongoing visa and passport crisis, once he becomes victorious in the upcoming election on 21 September.
Speaking at a rally in Kandy, he made special remarks on the issue, which has adversely impacted both individuals and key industries as well as drawn increasing attention from the Daily FT. “I promise you all that with the victory in the Presidential election, I will reveal all the names and details of those involved in this issue.
I will bring all the wrongdoers to justice,” Premadasa assured, taking aim at President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s handling of the situation.
He went on to accuse the Government of creating intentional delays in visa and passport processing as part of corrupt deal-making. Premadasa vowed that if elected, he will ensure those responsible would be held accountable.
Premadasa criticised the President for his failure to address the long queues at passport offices and arrival counters at the country’s main airport, accusing him of creating unnecessary bottlenecks in passport and visa issuance.
“Ranil Wickremesinghe is contesting in this election, but he cannot even issue passports to those who are wanting to leave the country or visas for tourists who are eager to visit Sri Lanka,” he claimed.
Premadasa also accused President Wickremesinghe of focusing on political deal-making rather than addressing the urgent needs of the country.
“Instead of deal-making with NPP’s Anura Kumara, I ask him to fix the passport and visa system which has become a serious problem for many people and industries,” he pointed out.
Premadasa cited that the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has also raised concerns over the visa debacle.
“JAFF is saying their buyers cannot get visa and the Government has failed to provide visas for technical and machinery experts vital to the apparel industry,” he said.
Premadasa also said tourism is another sector that is grappling, with stakeholders warning that visa delays are driving potential visitors to choose alternative destinations.
His comments reflect a growing frustration among industries reliant on the smooth issuance of visas and passports, as well as among individuals, including those contributing to the country’s vital foreign exchange reserves.
“How would it be if Wickremesinghe becomes the President again; when he cannot even provide a passport to those sending millions and billions of dollars in remittances?” Premadasa asked.
