The conversation on Dual Citizenship

In recent weeks, the issue of Dual Citizenship has come into focus not only in Sri Lanka with the disqualification of a Member of Parliament, but the subject has rocked the Australian Parliament and its Government. Even these pale into insignificance with what was to hit Lebanon where the Prime Minister dramatically tendered his resignation from foreign soil – Saudi Arabia where he has Dual Citizenship. One can imagine the shock of the people of Lebanon. It was a stark reminder how a political leader as high up as a Prime Minister could be arm-twisted and made a puppet by a third party (nation).

Some argue that at least the Lebanese PM quit his job under such pressure – and now returned. What if, they ask, unknown to his countrymen, his politics were fashioned and dictated by a foreign capital of which he was a Dual Citizen. When a political leader has some umbilical cord to another country, with vested interests in another, including owning property – chances of compromise are much higher.

The question is whether the disqualification from holding political office on grounds of Dual Citizenship – introduced under the 19th Amendment to the Constitution to keep certain individuals out of the electoral playing field in forthcoming elections, should be extended to those who hold non-political, public office.

The on-going debate on the Central Bank’s former Governor, now disgraced, who renounced his Sri Lankan citizenship for another country is of interest. The argument then was whether it was proper to have a non-citizen – even if he be of Sri Lankan origin, sign the country’s currency notes. The argument today is whether such a person will return to Sri Lanka to face criminal charges.

Today, the diplomatic service of Sri Lanka is filled with persons with Dual Citizenship. The debate over sovereignty and of national borders will continue for a long time. Europe experimented with a ‘one border’ policy and on the other hand, the US is now closing its borders in an insular reaction to the terrorism and refugee influx. The refugee problem in Europe in particular, is a global debate now.

Many Sri Lankans overseas still support the national side when they play against the country in which they reside. Dual Citizenship has helped them continue to have links to the country of their birth. The question of non-citizens, or Dual Citizens therefore holding public office will continue to be a knotty problem, especially when some of them abuse the office they hold, and end up not being accountable to anyone. No. 08, Hunupitiya Cross Road, Colombo 02. P.O. Box 1136, Colombo editor@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2331276 news@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2479332, 2328889, 2331276 features@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2479312, 2328889,2331276 pictures@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2479323, 2479315 sports@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2479311 bt@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2479319 funtimes@sundaytimes.wnl.lk - 2479337, 2331276 2479540, 2479579, 2479725 2479629, 2477628, 2459725