Immigration officials’ nexus aid human smuggling: Sagala

14 November 2017 03:09 pm - 6 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Human smugglers were able to send their clients abroad without any restrain because of the nexus between corrupt migration officials in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh, Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake said today.

Addressing the commencement of the the second phase of the Project RELAY facilitated by Interpol, Minister said the need for strengthening the country's legal framework to counter human smuggling.

The project was launched by Interpol to deliver training to law enforcement officers, investigators and front-line border units against smuggling.

He said migrants continue their travel without fear of being apprehended, because of the absence or inadequacy of legislation to address the issue.

He said documents such as passports or birth certificates, can be produced by bribing Government officials in this part of the world – particularly in South Asia.

“There have been instances where it was reported that the officers of the Sri Lankan law enforcement system accepted bribes from agents in exchange for allowing their vessels to cross maritime borders.

“We, as a Government, have adopted various measures to counter migrant smuggling in Sri Lanka. While strengthening our defence apparatus and the law enforcement system, we also work closely with our international partners on finding ways to counter this problem in a sustainable manner,” the Minister said.

He said that Sri Lanka had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Australia to counter human smuggling, enabling even closer cooperation between the two countries in this regard.

“The MoU is aimed at facilitating the return to Sri Lanka of people who entered Australia illegally. It also paves the way for enhanced information sharing on methods of tracking, intercepting and investigating people smugglers.

“We are in the process of introducing necessary revisions and changes, having understood the gravity and the social impact of the problem,” the Minister said.

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Comments - 6

BuffaloaCitizen Tuesday, 14 November 2017 04:00 PM

You politicians are the cause of virtually all problems in a country. In the end , solution to problems created by politicians is again another talk talk talk show by politicians.

nick Tuesday, 14 November 2017 04:13 PM

Sorry to say ur too soft for this job via DM Android App

VJ Wednesday, 15 November 2017 08:42 AM

This is not news, it is history. This was done with the blessing of the former government. Majority of those smuggled or allowed to leave were Tamils. I am sure money and corruption were involved, the support provided by the government was part of an ethnic clensing scheme. Now you know about it, what are you going to do abou it?

voter Wednesday, 15 November 2017 09:11 AM

It isn't a wonder that people are trying to flee this country legally or illegally as the biggest crooks are the politicians and especially this person.How can he accuse immigration officials or for that matter any other person when he himself is helping the crooks of MR's regime.

ashan Wednesday, 15 November 2017 09:12 AM

those criticising politicians and blaming them for all ills should leave their private jobs and join government service to show everyone how the job is done.

Lord Wolfstein Wednesday, 15 November 2017 11:27 AM

If Sri Lanka performs the border controls on its territory for the rich countries, then these countries should pay for it. Otherwise, it can not be the job of this country to prevent its citizens from leaving the country.

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Immigration officials’ nexus aid human smuggling: Sagala

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