The Government has launched a special investigation into the release of the passports of 60 Chinese nationals who were under investigation by the Department of Immigration and Emigration over suspected visa irregularities, as well as the subsequent issuance of residence visas to them.
According to reports, the individuals had entered Sri Lanka on one-month business visas. Their passports were taken into custody by the Department’s Investigation Division after concerns were raised regarding the legality of their visa status.
Authorities are now investigating whether the residence visas were granted in accordance with the applicable legal and administrative procedures while the original investigations were still ongoing.
The inquiry will also examine whether the required verification process was completed and whether all necessary approvals were obtained before the residence visas were issued.
In addition, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been tasked with conducting a separate investigation to determine whether any laws, regulations or official procedures were violated.
The investigations come amid heightened security concerns following recent reports of alleged illegal activities involving organised Chinese criminal networks operating in Sri Lanka.
Authorities are also seeking to identify the officials involved in approving the residence visas and to establish the circumstances under which the decisions were made.
The Government has stated that strict legal and disciplinary action will be taken if the investigations reveal any unlawful conduct, abuse of authority or negligence by public officials.
