The crisis involved in the issuance of passports is to exist further in the New Year, since the available stock is sufficient only for the first half of this year, and the government is still at a loss to call for tenders to get fresh copies of the P-series.

The previous government took steps to introduce ePassports but the tender awarded to Thales DIS Finland OY and its Sri Lankan partner, Just In Time (JIT) Technologies (Pvt) Ltd—has been challenged in the Court of Appeal by losing bidder Epic Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

The initial plan was to issue ePassports starting from January 1, 2025.

Asked for a comment in this regard, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Daily Mirror yesterday that the government mulls calling for tenders to secure a fresh stock of passports of the P-series to address the crisis before the court case involving ePassports is over.

“We have to decide whether we can award the fresh tender to the suppliers who are now embroiled in the court case. We await the recommendations of the committee appointed by the Cabinet to study it. There are various issues that need to be looked into,” he said.

He said, “We have to decide how to proceed with steps to address this shortage while the court case is going on.

A large number of Sri Lankans, seeking foreign jobs, have been applying for new passports since the economic crisis of 2022.

In addition to those seeking international travel, passports are sought by a large number of Sri Lankans engaged in online trading with their international partners. Passport details are sought in the execution of such transactions.

The Colombo High Court today further extended its order to freeze for three months 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa arrived at the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) this morning to provide a statement regarding remarks he had made during a television programme on March 3, 2022.

Former President and UNP leader Ranil Wickremeisinghe has appointed Thalatha Athukorala as the new party General Secretary, party sources said. An official announcement is expected to be made shortly.

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning to record a statement.

The office of the Foreign Minister has issued a statement on delays in appointing High Commissioners and Ambassadors to overseas missions, citing procedural and diplomatic requirements.

5 prominent figures in political circles, including a wife of a politician allegedly involved in various frauds and corruption, are to be arrested in early 2025, reports the ‘Mawbima’ newspaper, citing reliable government sources.

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is to enhance its air capabilities with the addition of eight Bell 206 helicopters from the United States and an FT-7 trainer aircraft from Pakistan this year, the Daily Mirror learns.

Major General Ruwan Wanigasooriya (Retd) has been appointed as the new Chief of National Intelligence, the Ministry of Defence said. He officially received his letter of appointment from Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) yesterday. Major General Wanigasooriya commenced his duties in his new role at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will contest the upcoming elections, including the Local Government and Provincial Council elections, under the ‘Chair’ symbol, SLFP general secretary Duminda Dissanayake said today.

The second reading of the 2025 Budget Proposal, or Appropriation Bill, will be presented in Parliament on February 17, as announced by Parliament Secretary General Kushani Rohanadheera following a Steering Committee meeting on Parliamentary Affairs.