The Cabinet has approved a proposal to facilitate the voluntary return of Sri Lankan nationals who travelled to India unlawfully during the war and are currently living there as refugees.
The proposal was submitted by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs. Facilities are to be provided, based on the advice of the Attorney General, for those seeking to return to Sri Lanka through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Under the new procedure, individuals who left Sri Lanka without using an authorised port or without a passport, and whose identities have been verified through Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in India, will be subject to a clearance report by the State Intelligence Service.
If they are found not to be involved in serious offences such as murder or treason, they will be issued temporary travel documents and allowed to enter Sri Lanka without legal action under the Immigration and Emigration Act No. 20 of 1948.
Those who migrated irregularly during the relevant period will also be permitted to enter Sri Lanka without legal impediments, subject to identity verification and clearance by the State Intelligence Service, under the powers of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration.
However, individuals found to be convicted of murder, treason or other specified offences will be detained at the port of entry and referred to the relevant authorities for appropriate legal action.
