Dr. Mani’s visa cancelled on intelligence advice: Immigration Chief

By Madhushala Senaratne

The visa of Dr. Rama Mani, the sacked and later reinstated Executive Director of the International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES) was cancelled on a recommendation by an intelligence agency, Immigration and Emigration Controller P. B. Abeykoon said.

Dr. Rama Mani

“After she was informed that her visa was cancelled, she made an appeal for its extension. She requested for it to be extended by two weeks to complete some work here. However we granted her only five days and made a decision to cancel her visa based on a statement by an intelligence agency,” he said.

Dr. Mani was removed from her position on January 14, but was reinstated on February 1 by ICES Chairman, Kingsley de Silva, following an earnest request made by the staff of ICES and its Board of Directors. Mr. Bradman Weerakoon, a director of ICES said that Dr. Mani, who has now left the country with her 12 year old son, remains the executive director of ICES until the Board takes any further decision.

“Dr. Mani wanted her visa extended by several weeks as her son had some school activities. However now the Board would discuss the issue, analyze the reasons for the cancellation of her visa and take a decision ” he said, adding that for the moment, he, along with Mr. Sunil Bastian would carry on Dr. Mani’s duties.

“ICES was invited by the Global Centre to serve as its Southern affiliate country. This was just a proposal and a decision was to be made after the matter was referred to the board. However as this was not done, the ICES had not made any decision,” Mr. Weerakoon said.

Dr. Mani’s move to align the ICES with the Global Centre which puts into practice the doctrine of Responsibility to Protect (R2P), which could involve interference by others in the affairs of a sovereign state also raised concern. She was also accused of financial improprieties and removal of documents from office. However, Mr. Weerakoon dismissed these allegations and stated that her sudden termination was a shock to the well-known think-tank.