Colombo | November 28, 2024
Former Minister of Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara, has sent a Letter of Demand (LOD) to the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), Kosala Wickramasinghe, over allegations linked to the Korean E8 visa system. The former minister is seeking Rs. 1 billion in compensation, claiming the accusations have caused severe damage to his reputation.
The Allegations
In a recent media interview, SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe reportedly hinted at financial fraud involving Manusha Nanayakkara in relation to the Korean E8 visa process. These statements, according to Nanayakkara, have led to significant harm to his political and personal standing.
Legal and Ministerial Action
Reacting strongly to these claims, Nanayakkara has:
- Letter of Demand: Issued an LOD seeking Rs. 1 billion in damages from Kosala Wickramasinghe.
- Request for Investigation: Written to Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, urging an investigation into what he calls "false allegations" against him.
In his letter to the Foreign Minister, Nanayakkara denied any monetary benefit from the Korean E8 visa system and highlighted the reputational harm caused by these accusations.
Background on the Korean E8 Visa System
The SLBFE recently revealed receiving several complaints about individuals defrauding people by promising jobs under the Korean E8 visa category. These complaints have raised public concern over potential mismanagement or misuse of the visa process.
Manusha Nanayakkara’s Position
The former minister maintains his innocence, emphasizing that the allegations are baseless and have been used to tarnish his image. By seeking legal redress and urging an official inquiry, Nanayakkara aims to clear his name and address any misinformation surrounding the visa system.
Next Steps
The outcome of the LOD and the Foreign Minister's response to the call for an investigation remain to be seen. This legal battle could have broader implications for Sri Lanka’s foreign employment sector and the credibility of its regulatory institutions.
As the story unfolds, all eyes will be on the steps taken by the SLBFE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the allegations and ensure transparency in the visa system.
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