Chief Opposition Whip MP Lakshman Kiriella voiced apprehensions in Parliament regarding the recent introduction of a visa issuance system at Katunayake Airport, highlighting that the Parliament was uninformed about the decision regarding charges for the global visa processing service, VFS Global.
MP Kiriella emphasized that while the Gazette published on the new visa issuance scheme only sanctioned an increase in visa fees, there was no mention of VFS Global.
He questioned the implementation of VFS fees, asserting that as the Parliament holds financial power, decisions of this nature cannot bypass parliamentary approval.
Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles acknowledged that the VFS proposal was not presented to Parliament, clarifying that the matter was deliberated within the Cabinet and approved based on recommendations from an appointed committee.
Minister Alles emphasized that since the proposal, including VFS charges, received Cabinet approval, it was not deemed necessary to present it to Parliament.
The exchange underscores concerns over the lack of parliamentary oversight in crucial decision-making processes.