A letter has been sent to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake highlighting alleged unethical and unfair practices at a private office operating as the Sri Lankan Consulate in Cyprus.
The letter stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had announced the closure of the Sri Lankan Consulate in Cyprus and that the Consul General and his staff would return to Sri Lanka by December 31, 2021. However, on January 1, 2022, a new consulate was established in Larnaca, Cyprus, under the leadership of Nirosha Costantinou (Nikki), a former telephone operator at the previous consulate.
While Peri F. Keridi was officially appointed as the Consul General, the letter alleges that Costantinou was made Consul Secretary despite having no experience in foreign service. It further claims that she is issuing visas, engaging in unethical practices, prioritizing services for acquaintances, and neglecting other applicants.
With a significant number of Sri Lankans living and working in Cyprus, the consulate reportedly generates substantial revenue through foreign service activities. However, it is alleged that these funds are not being remitted to the Sri Lankan government and are instead benefiting the privately operated consulate.
The letter urges the government to appoint an experienced officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Foreign Employment Bureau, investigate these allegations, and relocate the consulate from Larnaca to the capital of Cyprus to ensure transparency and accountability.
