Sri Lankan community in France to receive solutions for longstanding consular issues

Controller General of Immigration and Emigration M. N. Ranasinghe speaking at the event

A large group of participants

Ambassador Tilak Ranaviraja addressing the gathering

Members of the community presenting their issues

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris successfully concluded the first-ever consular forum conducted by the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Paris with a view to address issues faced by the Sri Lankan community in France pertaining to issuance of passports, registration of birth, citizenship certificates and issuance of dual citizenship certificates.

On an invitation extended by Ambassador Tilak Ranaviraja, a team of senior officials consisting of D. Swarnapala, Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs, M.N. Ranasinghe, Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, and K.P. Yogachandra, Deputy Controller, Overseas Missions, Department of Immigration & Emigration, visited Paris from 6-11 May and held discussions with the Embassy officials as well as members of the community.

The Forum which was organised on 7 May was attended by members of the Sri Lankan community representing all ethnic groups. They were given the opportunity to present common as well as individual issues and difficulties faced by them at present. 

Ranasinghe speaking at the event mentioned that while taking into consideration the difficulties expressed, the Department of Immigration and Emigration would look at ways and means of finding appropriate solutions in consultation with the relevant stakeholders of the Government. Further, he added that given the policy priorities of the present National Unity Government with regard to reconciliation, he is very hopeful at finding viable solutions. 

Members of the Sri Lankan community appreciated the initiative taken by the Embassy and the Department to explore avenues to find solutions to their existing issues.