New passports to curb rackets

by L.S.A. Wedaarachchi

New passports based on biometrics and finger prints will be introduced soon to curb passport rackets, said Immigration and Emigration Commissioner P.B. Abeykoon.

"The present system of issuing passports leaves greater room for various corrupt practices. Some people whose visa applications were rejected were later found to have resorted to unscrupulous methods such as altering birth certificates and National identify cards to obtain fresh passports, the Commissioner said.

An average of ten such instances are being detected daily, he said. According to the Commissioner, several changes had been effected in the Department to ensure a better service for the public. Over 2,500 passports are being issued daily, he said. Arrangements have also been made to renew passports within a day.The Immigration and Emigration Commissioner who returned from Australia a few days ago said that the Sri Lankans who were found on two ships in the Australian waters and off the coast of British Columbia in October had left Sri Lanka much earlier.

"Security is being strengthened at the Katunayake Air port and Sri Lankan waters to curb human smuggling and illegal migration, he said.