Dr Sarath Obeysekera

After returning to Sri Lanka on 7th March  from Singapore, I experienced an unpleasant situation at Bandaranaike International Airport immigration again 

I presented my valid Sri Lankan passport at the counter. The young immigration officer then asked to see my UK passport as well, since I am a dual citizen. Although I produced it immediately, he kept us waiting for nearly 15 minutes, stating that my dual citizenship was not registered in the computer”.

I have been a registered dual citizen of Sri Lanka for over 35 years and have travelled in and out of the country many times without any such issue.

His colleague in the next cabin told him to let us enter but this man refused 

Eventually, the supervising immigration manager intervened and allowed me to proceed.

While I remained calm during the incident, I told the officer that many Sri Lankans who worked abroad for decades return home with affection for the country and contribute to the economy, including bringing in foreign income and pensions. It is disappointing when such citizens are treated with suspicion or disrespect due to lack of awareness or training.

Immigration officials should be better trained to handle dual citizenship records and treat returning Sri Lankans with courtesy and professionalism.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera