August 19, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) has temporarily suspended the issuance of visa recommendations for two Authorised Persons (APs) following a recent incident involving the detention and deportation of foreign employees linked to their operations.
In a statement issued this week, the Commission confirmed that the suspension would remain in place pending the outcome of an internal investigation related to the incident at Bandaranaike International Airport.
The CPCEC has formally requested comprehensive written explanations and relevant documentation from both APs to aid in what it described as a “transparent and thorough” review.
The move comes after authorities flagged irregularities concerning the foreign nationals, prompting swift action by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. The CPCEC expressed its appreciation to the department for its vigilance and reaffirmed that all national regulatory bodies continue to exercise full authority within the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (SEZ), as stipulated under Section 74 of the CPCEC Act, No. 11 of 2021.
The Commission also used the opportunity to urge all authorised entities operating within the Port City to adhere strictly to compliance protocols, including conducting detailed background checks when recruiting foreign talent. The call reflects the Commission’s broader effort to reinforce accountability and safeguard the integrity of Sri Lanka’s flagship economic zone.
Whilst reiterating its long-term commitment to facilitating responsible investment and high-quality commercial activity, the CPCEC emphasised that maintaining national security and upholding legal standards remain non-negotiable priorities.
Positioned as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economic future, the Colombo Port City SEZ is expected to attract significant international interest.
