Colombo Port City Economic Commission reaffirms commitment to compliance and business

This release is following recent developments reported in the media, including Ada Derana’s release on August 13, 2025, regarding the detention and deportation of foreign nationals employed by entities operating as Authorised Persons (APs) licensed by the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC).

Following the alleged incident, the CPCEC has suspended the issuance of visa recommendations for the two APs whose employees were involved in the incident at Bandaranaike International Airport. This suspension measure will remain in place until the ongoing investigation of the alleged incident is completed.

The CPCEC has formally requested both APs to submit detailed written explanations and all necessary documentation relevant to the alleged incident to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.

The CPCEC extends its appreciation to the officers of the Immigration and Emigration Department for their continued vigilance and cooperation in enforcing the safeguards necessary for controlling entry into Sri Lanka.

The CPCEC reiterates that in accordance with Section 74 of Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021, all regulatory authorities in Sri Lanka retain full powers to exercise their respective mandates within the Area of Authority of the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and over all APs.

Furthermore, the CPCEC calls on all APs to maintain high standards of due diligence and conduct comprehensive background checks before extending offers of employment or engagement.

The CPCEC remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the legitimate business activities of APs and continues to operate in alignment with the broader interests of the national economy. This includes advancing the Colombo Port City’s vision to foster and safeguard a consistent, business-enabling environment to elevate the SEZ as an important national asset to its full transformative potential.