The Immigration and Emigration Department (IED) of Sri Lanka together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched an updated and revised version of its operation manual recently.
P. B. Abeykoon, Controller, Immigration and Emigration identifying the long felt need for a well-documented manual sought IOM`s assistance in this regard. In September 2005, IOM undertook the task of developing the manual under the `Migration Management` programme.
The revised operation manual aims at boosting significantly the capacity of the relevant divisions of the department to conduct their duties more effectively.
Speaking at the launch IOM`s Chief of Mission Christopher Gascon said, `In an age where migration is at the forefront of the international agenda the manual provides us with an opportunity to keep up with the world. This updated manual offers an opportunity to improve procedures and better serve the public.`
The manual was developed by local and international experts in close consultation with the officials from IED and IOM. Produced to international standards the loose-leaf manual has the facility to be amended when required by the IED. It is also available electronically, thus providing the staff of the department with easy access to information.
Abeykoon, expressing his gratitude to the project partners said the latest version of the IE operation manual is descriptive and user-friendly. It helps the staff, especially the new recruits, to comprehend better the processes and the procedures of the department and will serve as a basic training tool.
`The manual with its new features will definitely help us in enhancing our service to the public. As head of the department this is something I have been waiting for`, he noted.
Shantha Kulasekera, IOM`s Project Manager on Migration Management addressing the gathering said this is one of the most challenging and difficult projects IOM has undertaken with the IED. `We are indeed happy to have had contributed to the success of the project.`
IOM`s migration management activities are funded by the European Commission (EC) and the government of Australia.
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