Port City visa count hits 14,300 as CoPF flags oversight gaps

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CoPF demands breakdown by nationality, tenure and job scope within two weeks
Dr. de Silva cites surge in arrivals from Myanmar (458%), Vietnam (258%), Cambodia (70%)

The Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) has issued 14,300 visas thus far for foreign employees of Port City businesses but cannot vouch for all of them, Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) was told this week. Members questioned whether the regime is being adequately policed amid regional concerns over scam networks and money laundering.

The CPCEC monitors visa holders through monthly reports from businesses and random periodic visits by its officials, Commission Chairman Harsha Amarasekera, PC said. The Commission has a total staff of 16. A committee member noted the visa count averaged about 200 for each business of strategic importance (BSI), and questioned why some firms needed that many given the nature of their operations.

CoPF Chairman MP Dr. Harsha de Silva said the issue went beyond the Commission’s remit, affecting financial sector stability, anti-money laundering compliance and the country’s reputation. Citing official data, he said arrivals in the first quarter of 2026 rose 458% from Myanmar, 258% from Vietnam and 70% from Cambodia, countries widely associated with cyber scam operations. He noted statements issued by the Vietnamese and Chinese embassies, the latter on 29 May 2026, and observed that some foreign newspapers had carried damaging headlines.

The Commission earlier suspended visa recommendations for two APs after five Chinese nationals linked to them were detained and deported. Amarasekera said the suspension lasted three weeks to a month while Commission and immigration officials inspected both businesses. He said that, subject to correction, the five were turned away at the point of entry after failing to satisfactorily explain their purpose. Dr. de Silva observed that, in the absence of specific regulations, deportation orders were being issued for visa violations rather than on scam-related grounds.

Amarasekera said that, to the best of the Commission’s knowledge, no scamming was taking place within the Port City and no regulator had informed it otherwise. Dr. de Silva questioned whether business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, which are required to operate from Grade A office space not yet available within the Port City and currently work from various locations, were adhering to their agreements and not over-employing.

The committee asked the Commission to report within two weeks on how many recently Gazetted BSIs have brought in foreign workers, how many are in the country, their nationalities, length of stay and scope of work. It also asked what share of each firm’s projected foreign hiring had been used.