The International Bar Associations Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) expressed serious concern over the visa rejections of its four delegation members who had intended on visiting Sri Lanka.
According to Sri Lanka's External Affairs Ministry, the delegates which included the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, Justice J S Verma, had provded inaccurate information on their visa applications regarding the purpose of their trip. The Ministry reportedly argued, 'the visit was to surreptitiously undertake an activity which is of an intrusive nature to the sovereignty of Sri Lanka'.
Rejecting this explanation, the IBARHRI argued:
"The online visa application process does not allow applicants to provide further information on the purpose of their trip."
Dr Mark S Ellis, Executive Director of the IBAHRI, said:
"It will suggest to the international community that the Sri Lankan authorities are fearful of having independent eyes on the issues of interest to the legal profession."
"To date, no further information has been forthcoming. However, we remain hopeful that the Sri Lankan government will wish to remain open to international engagement and will reinstate the visits accordingly."