Dr. Sarath Obeysekera

Sri Lanka has always been known as a peaceful and welcoming nation. Tourism, foreign investment, and international business are essential for our economic growth, and genuine visitors and investors should always be welcomed. However, every country has a responsibility to ensure that immigration is properly managed and that national security is never compromised.

Many European countries are currently facing significant challenges arising from uncontrolled or poorly managed migration. While the causes of crime are complex and cannot be attributed to any particular nationality or ethnicity, several governments have acknowledged that weak border controls, illegal migration, and the activities of transnational organised crime networks have placed increasing pressure on law enforcement agencies.

The United Kingdom offers an interesting historical perspective. Decades ago, areas such as Brixton in South London gained a reputation for high crime rates. Over time, however, investment in education, employment opportunities, and urban renewal transformed the area. Today, Brixton has become one of London’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, demonstrating that social progress, rather than ethnicity, determines the long-term character of a community.

Similarly, Kilburn in North West London was once associated with organised criminal activity involving some local gangs. As policing improved and communities developed economically, the area’s image changed significantly.

These examples illustrate an important lesson: crime is driven by organised criminal networks and socioeconomic conditions—not by race or nationality. Nevertheless, if immigration systems are weak, criminal organisations can exploit them.

Sri Lanka must therefore learn from international experience rather than repeat the mistakes made elsewhere.

Recent reports of violent incidents involving foreign nationals, including the shocking murder of a Chinese national, have raised understandable public concern. Investigations will determine the facts of each individual case, but such incidents remind us that organised criminal groups can operate across borders. These networks often rely on local collaborators who provide accommodation, transport, financial services, forged documentation, or other forms of assistance.

At the same time, Sri Lanka is witnessing increasing foreign investment, particularly in projects such as the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port. These investments inevitably bring larger numbers of foreign professionals specifically chinese  workers, contractors, and business visitors. 

This is a normal consequence of international investment and, in itself, should not be viewed negatively. However, increased movement of people also requires stronger immigration management and more effective law enforcement.

Sri Lanka should therefore strengthen its immigration framework by:

● Maintaining accurate digital records of all foreign nationals entering and leaving the country.

● Conducting proper background verification for long-term visa holders where appropriate.

● Ensuring employers and sponsors remain accountable for foreign workers they recruit.

● Increasing coordination between Immigration, Police, Intelligence Services, Customs, and Financial Intelligence authorities.

● Monitoring organised criminal activities such as illegal gambling, money laundering, cybercrime, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.

● Taking firm action against both foreign offenders and local individuals who knowingly assist transnational criminal organisations.

These measures should apply equally to all foreign nationals regardless of their country of origin. Effective immigration control is about protecting national security while continuing to welcome legitimate investors, tourists, students, and skilled professionals.

Sri Lanka must remain open for business but closed to organised crime.

The objective should never be to discourage genuine foreign investment or tourism. Instead, we must ensure that those who come to Sri Lanka for lawful purposes are welcomed, while those seeking to exploit our country for criminal activities are detected, prosecuted, and removed.

A balanced immigration policy—combining openness with effective enforcement—will protect Sri Lanka’s reputation as a safe destination for investment and tourism while safeguarding the security of its citizens.

Dr. Sarath Obeysekera

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera