Govt. responds over marriage controversy

26 December 2021 09:47 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Following mounting criticism on social media as to why Defence Ministry clearance was sought for Sri Lankan nationals to marry foreigners, the government said this was due to increasing reports of foreigners arriving in Sri Lanka to reside here on spouse visas to carry out illegal activities.

Coordinating Secretary to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Geethanath Cassilingham, in a statement on Twitter said that he was informed by Defence officials that some of these illegal acts carried out by the foreign nationals included drug rackets and fraud through social media.

"Often it is the poor women who are the target of such marriages. Even in the Easter Sunday Commission report, it was recommended to get clearance for foreigners to marry locals to prevent extremists from entering Sri Lanka," Cassilingham said.

"Therefore if a local intends to marry a foreigner a security document needs to be handed over to the Registrar General's Department who will then hand it over to defence to get a clearance of a zero criminal record. A health certificate also needs to be handed over," Cassilingham added.

He further said that once the clearance is issued, the registrar will inform the local party and the marriage can go ahead. This procedure is followed in many countries and it is to ensure national security and the safety of local nationals, he said.

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Comments - 11

Ram Monday, 27 December 2021 03:25 AM

Going on silly Government policy GOSL must ask for security documents from all foreigners before allowing them in the country on tourist visa/s

Seb Monday, 27 December 2021 06:05 AM

I think it's a good decision, one that is a requirement already in many other countries.

Hal Jordan Monday, 27 December 2021 06:13 AM

What a joke

K.tmirputi Monday, 27 December 2021 07:36 AM

If lankan woman married Saudi man in Saudi Arabia. Then what happens.

Ralaharamy Monday, 27 December 2021 07:01 AM

How many foreigners indulging in fraudulent activities, are languishing in remand? How many more are running free? Even the criminal who broke the Buddha statue to create religious clash was a foreign agent, married to a Sinhala woman

lal Monday, 27 December 2021 07:42 AM

extremists are in the high office

Gayan Monday, 27 December 2021 10:59 AM

Good move given the facts.

raghavan Monday, 27 December 2021 02:34 PM

if such foreign nationals or anyone for that matter commit illegal activities, the Police should deal with it

Buddhist Monday, 27 December 2021 06:26 PM

Military meddling in civilian marriage. Another clause will be added at the next UN Session.

Lanki Monday, 27 December 2021 06:26 PM

Are the drug lord MPs married to foreigners too?

Buddhist Monday, 27 December 2021 06:36 PM

Height of stupidity of Weerasekera!

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Govt. responds over marriage controversy

Comments - 11

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