Audit urges urgent legal reform, transparency in e-visa deal

MPs get special audit report on the visa scam at Immigration and Emigration Dept.

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SJB Colombo District MP Dr Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that the special audit report on Sri Lanka’s controversial e-visa contract, awarded to a foreign consortium by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, had been made available to the MPs.

The report includes nine recommendations, which the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance Dr de Silva said, should be implemented immediately. The audit report, by Acting Auditor General G. H. D. Dharmapala, recommends several key reforms, including legal clarity on the visa issuance process under the Immigration and Emigration Act of 1948, and the need for continuous improvement in service delivery through modern technology.

Dr de Silva said that the report has recommended that any outsourcing of services must follow proper tender procedures, include cost-effectiveness studies, and ensure transparency in revenue collection.

Audit recommendations in the report by Acting Auditor General G.H.D. Dharmapala: Identify and act in accordance with legal provisions relating to the visa issuing process for carrying out activities under Immigration and Emigration act 20 of 1948 or amend it as necessary.