Clause on dual citizenship should be amended: Vasu

We expect the Minister of Justice to make an amendment to this effect even during the committee stage

Whilst reiterating that those holding dual citizenship should not be involved in Sri Lanka’s administration, Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara yesterday called for an amendment to the 20th Amendment to include a clause to prevent such persons from being appointed to Parliament.

“Even a person who holds a second class citizenship of another country should not be allowed to get involved in Sri Lanka’s administration. Therefore we expect the Minister of Justice to make an amendment to this effect even during the committee stage,” Mr. Nanayakkara said speaking during the debate on the 20th Amendment to the constitution.

“I am not identifying the clause in the 19th Amendment which prevents the dual citizens from entering Parliament as a strong point of that piece of legislation. This is because it was included to prevent incumbent President Gotabaya Rajapaksa from getting elected as the head of state. Any way we feel that this should not be changed,” he added.

At the same time the Minister who opposed the de-politicisation of institutions and commissions said this word simply means representatives of people giving up their duties and powers. “Why should we the elected give up power?” he questioned. He recalled that those who were in the opposition when the 19th amendment was introduced to Parliament decided to support it as per what was thought by late N. M. Perera who opposed Executive Presidency.

“We decided to support the 19th Amendment then but later found out the real objective of it,” he said.