Measures are underway to introduce the E-Passport service to alleviate the long queues at the Immigration and Emigration Department office, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles said.
Minister Alles said the queues have resurged recently, particularly due to the Korean Language Proficiency Test.
He further revealed that to address this issue, the authorities are exploring negotiations with the Korean government to implement a system and arrange to issue passports only to those who pass the exam.
Addressing the media yesterday, the Minister of Public Security also disclosed measures being taken concerning various sectors of the nation.
He revealed that all arrangements have been finalized to issue the new National Identity Cards (NIC) through the Department of Registration of Persons.
Expressing unanimous support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the candidate for the upcoming Presidential Election, he pointed out that the President has steered the country out of adversity and put an end to long-standing queues.
“We firmly believe that those who comprehend the prevailing circumstances should not contemplate electing another president,” he added.
On the efforts to combat drug-related activities in Sri Lanka, he said that several joint programs between schools and Police, facilitated by the Dangerous Drugs Control Board, are already underway to combat drug abuse.
“Continuous efforts are underway to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and violence against vulnerable groups such as women and children. Regardless of the challenges we face, we remain resolute in our commitment to these operations. There have been various allegations against our initiatives, and attempts have been made to disrupt our efforts by certain individuals and groups. We have received intelligence indicating that funds from drug networks are being used to finance these disruptive activities.
“Operation ‘Yukthiya’, which commenced on December 17, has resulted in the seizure of narcotics valued at Rs. 7.8 billion. Additionally, assets including vehicles and buildings confiscated by law enforcement amount to Rs. 725 million. A total of 58,562 raids have been conducted, leading to the arrest of 58,234 individuals involved in illicit activities,” he said. (NewsWire)
