International Bar Assn issue :
Visas withdrawn due to inaccurate information
Following the detection of inaccurate information 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 Sri Lankan government was
constrained to withdraw visas issued through the ETA system for three
applicants and the other by a diplomatic mission, the External Affairs
Ministry said yesterday.
The ministry in a release said the business visa category, 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 fourth had been issued a gratis visa and the purpose
of the visit being cited as private.
The release added: “ 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 organisation would scrupulously adhere to the rules
and regulations governing a country’s visa regime.
“Further, intimidatory behaviour 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. However, in keeping with universal practice,
appropriate action would be taken in the event there is a
misrepresentation of information by a visa applicant.”
Colombo 03rd February, 2013 |