Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem has voiced concerns over the Department of Immigration and Emigration’s failure to comply with a Supreme Court (SC) order regarding the country’s visa processing system.

The court had previously suspended a new visa scheme, ordering a return to the Government-operated electronic travel authorisation platform managed by Sri Lanka Telecom-Mobitel, which is considered less susceptible to corruption.

Speaking to the media today (23), MP Hakeem highlighted the department's reluctance to revert to the established system, despite SLT-Mobitel’s readiness to resume its former functions.

Hakeem stated that authorities are using outdated Gazette notifications as an excuse to delay the implementation of the court's directive, which aims to streamline tourist entries into the country.

He emphasised that the ongoing delays are causing reputational damage to Sri Lanka and could potentially result in a decrease in tourist arrivals for the upcoming winter season.

Hakeem called for immediate action to enforce the Supreme Court’s interim order and restore a reliable and time-tested visa system, stressing the importance of compliance for the integrity of the country’s legal and immigration processes.