Immigration Dept. to link with Interpol

The Immigration and Emigration Department will share travel document-related information with the Interpol, by end of this month, to block stolen and lost passports of Sri Lankans being used for illegal activities overseas.

Controller General Chulananda Perera said, "We will be the first country in South Asia to link with Interpol to share such information," adding that it will help them trace or block Sri Lankan passports falling into wrong hands in foreign countries.

"When a stolen passport is reported the current procedure is for the owner to lodge an entry with the Police and a new passport is then issued by the Department. MF