There will be no change in the appointment of GBS Technology Services and IVS Global FZCO and its technical partner VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd. (VFS Global/the consortium) as the authorised representatives for online visa applications, the Public Security Ministry said yesterday (13).
This is despite the findings highlighted in the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) report on ‘Outsourcing Online Visa and Passport Application Services between the Consortium and the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka’.
The report was presented to Parliament by COPF Chair Dr. Harsha de Silva on Friday (12).
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Public Security Ministry Secretary Viyani Gunathilaka said: “The report was submitted to Parliament and was discussed there. We have not received the report yet.”
The Public Security Ministry has come under scrutiny following the release of a critical report by the COPF regarding the procurement of online visa services.
The report, presented to Parliament by de Silva, highlights significant irregularities and concerns surrounding the appointment of GBS Technology Services and IVS Global FZCO, in partnership with VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd., as the authorised representatives for online visa applications.
The controversy stems from allegations of a lack of competitive bidding, potential data breaches, and discrepancies in the promised benefits versus actual outcomes of the agreement.
According to the COPF report, the consortium’s proposal bypassed competitive bidding processes and failed to deliver on its promises, including a marketing plan aimed at boosting tourist arrivals.
The procurement process itself has raised eyebrows, with questions surrounding the initial proposal acceptance despite procedural ambiguities. The report also points out a significant data breach reported after the consortium took over services, further complicating matters.
In light of these findings, the COPF has recommended a comprehensive forensic audit by the Auditor General’s Office to address the identified concerns and determine appropriate actions moving forward.
The controversy continues to unfold as stakeholders, including citizens, civil society, and the media, await further developments and responses from relevant authorities regarding the future of the online visa application services contract.