-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -13.Oct.2024, 9.40 pm) A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on immigration, signed between Sri Lanka and the Maldives by Ali Sabri, has sparked significant concern among Sri Lankan citizens, as it allegedly infringes upon their rights. Critics argue that the MOU is heavily one-sided, favoring Maldivian interests while undermining the rights of Sri Lankans, particularly in cases of deportation and family disputes.
According to the agreement, Maldivian authorities are granted the power to deport Sri Lankan nationals without a thorough investigation, raising concerns over potential abuses of power. Additionally, Maldivians married to Sri Lankans can reportedly take their children back to the Maldives without notifying Sri Lankan authorities. In contrast, Sri Lankans married to Maldivians are not granted similar rights under the MOU, creating an imbalance in the treatment of citizens from the two nations.
There are already reports of Sri Lankans being deported under questionable circumstances. One such case involves Nadeesh Perera, a Sri Lankan who was deported after accusations of domestic abuse, which he claims were fabricated. The case has now escalated to the United Nations, with Maldivian immigration officials, including Director General Shamaan Wahid—allegedly linked to criminal and terrorist networks—taking a personal interest in it.
The agreement also raises concerns over the presence of Maldivian criminals living in Sri Lanka, with demands for their deportation. Notably, figures like Sika, who has been accused of involvement in anti-government activities, remain in the country. Additionally, over 56,000 Maldivians currently reside in Sri Lanka, including around 1,700 school children who attend state schools, and many of them rely on Sri Lanka’s free healthcare system. Critics argue that this is a financial burden on Sri Lankan taxpayers.
There are growing calls for the Sri Lankan government to take decisive action. Some Sri Lankan unions have already proposed measures, such as refusing to facilitate Maldivian ships at the Colombo port and denying Maldivian aircraft access to Sri Lankan airports. Furthermore, the MOU has highlighted financial concerns, with the Maldivian government providing sovereign guarantees for over $750 million in loans taken from Sri Lankan state banks. There are suggestions that Sri Lanka should demand repayment of these loans, or seize Maldivian assets, including their High Commission building.
Tensions have also been exacerbated by claims that Maldivian President Dr. Muizzu deported his Sri Lankan-origin stepmother to gain control of his father’s property, further fueling anti-Sri Lankan sentiment. Additionally, allegations have surfaced that the Maldivian government provided passports to terrorist organizations, such Hisbollah , which has led to calls for Sri Lanka to impose visa restrictions on Maldivians entering the country and deport 56,000 Maldivians living in the country.
As tensions escalate, there is increasing pressure on the Sri Lankan government to re-evaluate the MOU and assert its position to ensure the protection of its citizens’ rights
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by (2024-10-13 16:26:00)
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