Crowds had come from around the island and some say that they had joined the queues as early as 1am, hours before sunrise.

The Consular Affairs Division provides consular and other services to the general public and caters to consular and other needs of Sri Lankans who intend to travel abroad for employment, studies etc. Their services include attestation of documents.

Criticising the present situation of Sri Lanka, some had been even dubious whether they will be able to leave if they did not hustle now.