Int'l Bar Assn. members violated visa rules-SL

3 February 2013 11:57 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The External Affairs Ministry today said in a statement that it rejected issuing visas to four members of the International Bar Association (IBA), who scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka for violating the country’s visa regulations.

The statement said: “Following the detection of inaccurate information contained in the visa applications of the four member delegation representing the International Bar Association (IBA), which had unilaterally scheduled a visit to Sri Lanka, regrettably the Government of Sri Lanka was constrained to withdraw visas issued through the ETA system for three applicants and the other by a diplomatic mission, the ministry said in a statement.

“It may be noted that the Business Visa category which had been applied for in the case of three persons were issued on the basis of the purpose of the visit being reflected as Conferences, Workshops and Seminars, while the 4th person had been issued a gratis visa and the purpose of the visit being cited as Private,” it said.

“Subsequently, it came to light that the stated purpose for the visit in the applications was not in conformity with the actual nature of the visit. In fact, there were media reports to the effect that this is an international fact finding delegation with a mandate to probe and prepare a report on the recent impeachment of the former Chief Justice.

“Further, one of the delegates is on record stating that the delegation would be interviewing, in this regard, members of the Judiciary, Government functionaries, Members of Parliament and the local community. This demonstrates that the visit was not for the purpose of attending Conferences, Workshops and Seminars but undertaking activity surreptitiously which is of an intrusive nature to the sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

“Considering the prestigious reputation of the IBA, it would be expected that the organization would scrupulously adhere to the rules and regulations governing a country’s visa regime. Further, intimidatory behavior on the part of one of the IBA delegates directed at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London is unbecoming. In keeping with the Government of Sri Lanka’s interest in transparency, bona-fide applications for visits of this nature are processed with objectivity,” it said.

However, the ministry said that in keeping with universal practice, appropriate action would be taken in the event there is a misrepresentation of information by a visa applicant.

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Comments - 15

Kiwi Tuesday, 05 February 2013 01:47 AM

The whole world knows about the reputation of the IBA and also that of Sri Lanka.

mohan Tuesday, 05 February 2013 01:59 AM

how could some one violate visa rule before entering ?

Patnall Monday, 04 February 2013 02:46 AM

Any law can only be violated by those who support the Govt. For other new laws will be enacted whenever necessary.

somapala Monday, 04 February 2013 09:06 AM

Nicky Karunaratne

Thamuse inne Angoda koi wattuweda?

Countryman Sunday, 03 February 2013 12:19 PM

Visa would have been allowed if they were to interview only government parliamentarians, state media and government stooges. The response of government clearly indicates that it's a fact finding mission on its part as to how they could justify revocation of visa..

PRASANNAJIT Monday, 04 February 2013 03:52 AM

Before long we will be like frogs in a well.

nicky karunarathna Monday, 04 February 2013 04:02 AM

They violate every rule in the book to harrass SL and its people with few hundred triators in the country.

Labby Sunday, 03 February 2013 12:42 PM

For how long can we keep isolating ourselves ?

TNG Monday, 04 February 2013 12:00 AM

people commenting should realise that these Bar people have also come in a very fishy way.under no circumstances should that be allowed. Being so elequent legal professionals they should kblw there r immigration laws in a country n not to fish around those via DM Android App

kane Monday, 04 February 2013 05:55 AM

we already are!

Calistus Jayatilleke Monday, 04 February 2013 11:28 AM

Nicky Karunaratne: Who decides who is a patriot and who is a traitor - your soulmate Weerawansa who thinks he has got a patent for such labelling.

Ranjith Monday, 04 February 2013 01:01 AM

Rules should apply for every one. All visitors should obbey countrys` regulations. They should give accurate information..Country cannot change rules for fellows who try to visit on NGO funds. One was given visa let the others also follow proper filling of forms.They must respect the countrys visa regulations. Can we go to some other country without proper filling up of applications?

perera Monday, 04 February 2013 01:01 AM

these are not international statesmen but a bunch of alleged do gooders who are a scourge on the general populace of this planet

willie Monday, 04 February 2013 12:00 AM

This is what is commonly referered to as Bulshit ! via DM Android App

Fair N Square Monday, 04 February 2013 01:49 AM

IF we Sri-Lankan's apply for a business visa and engage in something else... chances are we will be DEPORTED... Sadly the high authority of the IBA should set an example and not try to by pass rules and lie about the intentions...

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Int'l Bar Assn. members violated visa rules-SL

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