Govt to accept Interpol’s special travel permit

The Government of Sri Lanka has decided to accept the special travel permit introduced by the International Police (INTERPOL) within Sri Lanka to facilitate cross border investigations relating to the activities of the global agency.

Interpol has introduced the travel document intended to enable its officials and officials of its member countries’ law enforcement agencies to travel internationally on official Interpol business, by benefiting from visa facilitations granted by member countries when assisting in transnational investigations or urgent deployments.

The permit facilitates obtaining Emergency Visas for the Interpol Police Officers and the Law Enforcing Officers engaged in cross border investigations relating to the International Police activities.

At present 100 International Police member countries including several Asian countries of Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan Laos, the Philippines, and Singapore have accepted this Special Travel Permit.

On the request of the International Police, Sri Lanka has also agreed to accept this Special Travel Permit, the Government Information Department reported.

Accordingly, the cabinet of ministers has approved the proposal made by Minister of Public Security, and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga to empower the Inspector General of Police to sign the agreement to accept the Special Travel Permit by Sri Lanka.