Former Immigration Chief Jailed for Two Years Over Contempt of Supreme Court

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Supreme Court today (23) sentenced former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Harsha Illukpitiya, to two years’ imprisonment for contempt of court, following his failure to comply with an interim order related to the issuance of electronic visas during the previous administration.

The three-judge bench, comprising Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Janak de Silva, and Arjuna Obeyesekere, delivered the verdict after Illukpitiya admitted unconditionally to the charges against him.

The case centered on his disregard for a Supreme Court-issued interim injunction, which was intended to halt the implementation of certain e-visa procedures.

During proceedings on July 1, Illukpitiya informed the court that he accepted full responsibility for the allegations and withdrew his previously submitted statement of defense.

Taking this into account, the Supreme Court scheduled today’s sentencing, ultimately imposing a two-year prison term.