The Court of Appeal yesterday permitted the Department of Immigration and Emigration to proceed with the purchase of “P” series ordinary passports, following a motion filed regarding the transition from “N” series passports. This decision comes amid legal challenges and concerns over the delay in passport issuance due to an interim injunction.
Legal Rulings and Government Response
The directive was issued after Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardhana PC informed the Court that the Acting Controller of Emigration and Immigration had recommended shifting to the “P” series passports for better security features and compliance standards.
- Background of the Case: A five-member committee, appointed by the Acting Controller General, is currently reviewing matters concerning the new passports, including associated fees and security mechanisms. The committee’s decisions are to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval, as instructed by the Attorney General.
- Interim Injunction: The interim injunction, issued by the Court of Appeal on September 26, had halted the purchase of 750,000 ordinary passports from two private companies. This was a result of a petition filed by Epic Lanka, which cited security concerns over the proposed passports’ design.
Sri Lanka Passport
Concerns Over Security Features and Public Inconvenience
During the session, Attorney Pramod Perera, representing Epic Lanka, highlighted that certain security features were missing from the proposed “P” series passports, which could lead to delays in their issuance. The Additional Solicitor General acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the importance of maintaining robust security measures for the new passports.
Furthermore, the Court heard arguments on the considerable inconvenience caused to the public by the delay in issuing new passports, stressing the need for swift resolution of the procurement process.
Next Steps in the Procurement Process
- Court’s Decision: The Court of Appeal amended the interim injunction, allowing the Department of Immigration and Emigration to proceed with purchasing the new “P” series passports while the case remains under review.
- Future Hearing Scheduled: The next hearing has been scheduled for November 6, during which the Court will further evaluate the committee’s recommendations and the progress of the procurement process.
- Impact on Public Services: The decision to transition to “P” series passports is expected to streamline the passport issuance process and reduce the backlog currently faced by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
This development marks a crucial step towards resolving the passport procurement issue, which has seen public inconvenience and legal challenges over the past months. The outcome of the next court hearing in November will be key in determining the future direction of Sri Lanka’s passport issuance and security standards.
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Last modified: October 10, 2024
