The Audit Department has uncovered numerous controversial details regarding the alleged “e-visa scam”, following an investigation into another major corrupt transaction that took place during the previous government, according to Sri Lanka Latest News.
As per the Audit Department’s report, after the Department of Immigration and Emigration handed over the task of issuing e-visas to a private company on the recommendation of a few individuals, the government has not received any of the revenue that was due to it.
Furthermore, tourists who were eligible for visa fee exemptions have been unable to benefit from those privileges due to this arrangement.
The report reveals that between April 17, 2024, and August 2, 2024—the period during which the authority to issue e-visas was transferred to the VFS company—the government could have earned at least USD 1,820,418. However, the audit findings confirm that not a single dollar was received by the state.
The Audit Department has recommended that a formal investigation be conducted into the entire process, which at first glance appears to be a large-scale fraud, and that disciplinary and legal action be taken against the responsible parties.
The report further emphasizes that legal action should be pursued against the officials who:
Participated in the preparation of cabinet papers to implement the proposal submitted by VFS requesting authority to issue e-visas,
Failed to seek the recommendations of the Ministry of Finance, and
Took steps to transfer the proceeds from the issuance of e-visas to a bank account located overseas.
