The Cabinet of Ministers has approved special arrangements to facilitate the return of Sri Lankans who fled the country during the war without using authorised ports of exit or valid passports and were subsequently registered as refugees in India.

The move applies to Sri Lankan nationals whose identities have been confirmed and who wish to return voluntarily to Sri Lanka through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The decision follows legal advice obtained from the Attorney General on providing the necessary immigration clearance for their return, according to a statement by the Department of Government Information.

Under the approved arrangements, Sri Lankan nationals who left the country before August 1, 2006, without valid travel documents will be required to have their identity as Sri Lankan citizens verified through Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in India. A clearance report will also be obtained from the State Intelligence Service (SIS).

Those cleared will be issued temporary passports and allowed to enter Sri Lanka through an authorised port of entry without legal action being taken under the Immigrants and Emigrants Act No. 20 of 1948.

Similar arrangements will apply to Sri Lankan nationals who left the country irregularly and travelled to India between August 1, 2006, and May 19, 2009, the date the war ended. Following identity verification and SIS clearance, they will be permitted to enter Sri Lanka without legal proceedings under the relevant immigration law.

However, individuals found to have committed or been involved in murder, treason or other offences subject to specific legal provisions will be detained at the port of entry and handed over to the relevant authorities for further legal action, the statement noted.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to implement the arrangements following consultations and legal guidance.