Lanka introduces sponsor-based ETA process for five countries

Sri Lanka has introduced a special Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) application process for nationals of five countries, requiring them to obtain the support of a Sri Lankan citizen or resident when applying to enter the country.

According to updated requirements issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, nationals of Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Afghanistan will not be able to use the standard self-service online ETA application route available to most travellers.

Under the new procedure, a Sri Lankan citizen, or resident, must submit the ETA application, on behalf of the prospective visitor. The supporting documents must be submitted in person to the Department of Immigration and Emigration headquarters in Battaramulla.

The sponsor is required to submit a request letter and an affidavit signed before a Justice of the Peace or lawyer, together with a certified copy of the sponsor’s National Identity Card or a copy of the passport.

Applicants from the five countries must also submit a police clearance report, a copy of their passport and proof of accommodation.

The arrangement means travellers from these countries must identify an eligible local sponsor before beginning the ETA process, unlike most visitors who can apply independently through the online system.

The Immigration Department has advised prospective travellers to verify the latest requirements before making travel arrangements.

The Matara Magistrate’s Court has released, on bail, the Chairman of the National People’s Power (NPP)-controlled Kirinda Puhulwella Pradeshiya Sabha, and four others, arrested over allegations of unlawfully detaining and subjecting a retired female teacher and her son to physical and mental harassment.

The five suspects, including Pradeshiya Sabha officials, were arrested by Thihagoda Police on Thursday (22) following a complaint made by the teacher and her son, an engineer.

The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the construction of a wall along Wadigawatta Road, in Kirinda.

According to reports, the dispute arose after a technical officer, attached to the Pradeshiya Sabha, who resides on a neighbouring property, constructed part of a wall that allegedly obstructed the engineer from taking his vehicle out of his residence.

The Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman had subsequently allegedly summoned the retired teacher and her son to the Council premises to discuss the legality of the construction and prepare a report for the Human Rights Commission.

However, the two were allegedly confined to a room at the Pradeshiya Sabha premises and subjected to physical and mental harassment.

Following the complaint, Thihagoda Police launched an investigation and arrested the five suspects on allegations, including the misuse of legal and political authority.

The suspects were produced before the Matara Magistrate’s Court, where the Magistrate, after considering submissions from both sides, ordered their release on personal bail.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday rejected a motion seeking to withdraw an order prohibiting a group of Buddhist monks from occupying the area near the Buddha statue at Viharamahadevi Park, while staging a Satyagraha, demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama refused the request after considering submissions made by a group of lawyers, including President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, appearing for the monks.

Gunaratne requested court to withdraw the existing order or amend it to allow the monks to remain at the location while continuing their Satyagraha.

However, the Chief Magistrate rejected the request and upheld the order restricting the monks from gathering near the Buddha statue.

The Magistrate also rejected a request by the police to issue arrest warrants against several individuals, allegedly involved in violating the court order.

Bodaragama observed that sufficient facts had not been placed before court, at this stage, to justify issuing the warrants.

He further said that, if necessary, the police could take appropriate action under the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

A religious ceremony, organised to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), was held at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, in Kandy, on October 22 and 23, with the participation of Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe and Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit Krishanthi Edirisinghe.

On October 22, the Air Force Commander visited the Malwathu and Asgiri Maha Viharayas and received blessings from the Mahanayake Theras of the two chapters of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya.

He later visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa, where he offered Gilanpasa to the Sacred Tooth Relic and received blessings. He also met the Chief Custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Dr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela.

A Sanghika Dana was held the following day for 75 Buddhist monks, with SLAF personnel presenting the Ashta Pariskara, the eight requisites of Buddhist monks.

During the visit, Edirisinghe also inspected the SLAF firefighting team, vehicles and equipment deployed to ensure the safety of the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

The ceremony, organised by the SLAF Directorate of Welfare, included religious observances to commemorate Air Force personnel who sacrificed their lives for the country and invoke blessings for serving personnel and their families.

Members of the SLAF Board of Management, senior officers, other ranks and families of fallen war heroes attended the ceremony.