 
Former Minister of Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara, has issued a Letter of Demand (LOD) seeking Rs. 1 billion in damages from Kosala Wickramasinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). The action comes in response to allegations of financial misconduct involving the Korean E8 visa system, which Nanayakkara claims have severely harmed his reputation.
The Allegations
In a recent media interview, Kosala Wickramasinghe reportedly implied that Nanayakkara was linked to financial fraud associated with the Korean E8 visa process. Nanayakkara argues that these statements have caused significant damage to his political and personal standing, prompting his legal action.
Legal and Ministerial Response
Reacting strongly to the allegations, Nanayakkara has taken two key steps:
- Legal Action: He has issued an LOD demanding Rs. 1 billion in compensation for reputational harm.
- Call for Investigation: Nanayakkara has written to Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, urging an official inquiry into the claims, which he describes as false and defamatory.
In his letter to the Foreign Minister, Nanayakkara denied any involvement in the alleged financial misconduct, emphasizing that the accusations were baseless and had caused unwarranted harm to his reputation.
Korean E8 Visa System: The Broader Context
The SLBFE has recently reported receiving complaints about fraudulent activities linked to the Korean E8 visa program. These complaints allege that individuals have been defrauded with false promises of jobs abroad, raising public concerns over potential mismanagement within the visa system.
Nanayakkara’s Position
The former minister maintains his innocence, asserting that the allegations are part of an effort to tarnish his image. By pursuing legal action and calling for an official investigation, Nanayakkara aims to clear his name and address any misinformation surrounding the E8 visa process.
Implications and Next Steps
The outcome of the Letter of Demand and the Foreign Minister's response to Nanayakkara’s request for an inquiry will likely have broader implications for Sri Lanka’s foreign employment sector and the credibility of its regulatory institutions.
This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in handling allegations of misconduct, particularly in sectors as critical as foreign employment. As the story unfolds, public attention will remain focused on the steps taken by the SLBFE and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address these claims.
Conclusion
Manusha Nanayakkara’s legal battle over the Korean E8 visa allegations brings to light critical issues surrounding Sri Lanka’s foreign employment sector. With both legal and ministerial actions underway, this case could set a precedent for how such allegations are handled in the future, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
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