Immigration and Emigration Dept under 5S

COLOMBO: On the initiative of Prime Minister and Internal Administration Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake and the guidance of Internal Administration Ministry Secretary Dr. U. Vidanapathirana the Immigration and Emigration Department has taken steps to transform itself to an exemplary state institution providing a streamlined and productive service to the people.

Controller of Immigration and Emigration P.B. Abeykoon said these steps included the introduction of the 5S system and providing practical training to the department staff at all levels, to cope with the increasing range of activities the department is involved in the context of modern international trends.

The annual number of migrants exceeded three million. The Department received 35000 to 39000 passport applications monthly and the number of passports issued ranged from 10000 to 12000 per month. The department also assisted many other activities including the issuing of visas and supporting airport activities.

The Department contributed nearly Rs. 3000 million earnings annually to the country’s coffers through these activities with a total staff of 761.

He said the Department has now applied for 1S0 status