Minister clarifies current options for obtaining passports

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala revealed the decision in Parliament today (January 23) while responding to a query raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

Minister Wijepala confirmed that the process to procure the passports is already underway, with the tender expected to be published in newspapers by Monday. This is part of the government's effort to address the significant delays in passport processing that have been affecting citizens.

Explaining the current situation, the Minister highlighted the long wait times for passport issuance. "If someone books an online appointment today, the earliest available date for issuance is June 27, reflecting an approximate wait time of five months," Minister Wijepala said. 

To address urgent requests, the Immigration Department has established a dedicated committee to evaluate and approve applications for same-day passport issuance. This initiative aims to cater to emergency situations while alleviating delays in standard passport services.

The government’s move to procure 500,000 passports is seen as a crucial step in addressing the growing demand and ensuring that the passport issuance process becomes more efficient for citizens.