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Last Updated : 2021-01-16 19:56:00
Last Updated : 2021-01-16 19:56:00
The joint opposition said today it would file a case in the Supreme Court seeking to clarify whether the duties and responsibilities carried out by former Central Bank governor Arjuna Mahendran were legal on the basis of not being a Sri Lankan citizen but that of Singapore.
Referring to the last week’s Appeal Court ruling disqualifying Geetha Kumarasinghe from being a parliamentarian because of her dual-citizenship, it queried as to how a citizen of another country could hold a top post like that of CB governor when a dual-citizenship holder is disqualified from being an MP.
“Clause 165 of the Constitution states that all public officers should take an oath prior to commencing duties. However, Mr. Mahendran has told the Committee On Public Enterprises (COPE) that neither did take any oath nor did anyone ask him to do so. How can a foreign citizen without taking the oath of loyalty to the country function as the CB governor and continue to sign Sri Lanka's currency notes,” MP Bandula Gunawardane told a news conference.
He said currency notes of Rs.100 and 5,000 signed by Mr. Mahendran were in circulation and the fact that he was a citizen of Singapore raised their legitimacy.
The MP said a citizen of Singapore could not work for the betterment of another country because Singapore does not recognise dual-citizenships. “As far as we know, Mr. Mahendran is still a foreign citizen and had not abandoned his Singapore citizenship,” he said.
He said he would file action in the Supreme Court after Vesak so as to obtain a determination on this matter and to ascertain whether the currency notes signed by Mr. Mahendran were valid.
Clause 165 of the Constitution says any public officer is required by the Constitution to take an oath of allegiance on taking up office or duties.
“Any such officer of an office failing to take and subscribe to such oath or make and subscribe such affirmation after the commencement of the Constitution on or before such date as may be prescribed by the Prime Minister by Order published in the Gazette shall cease to be in service or hold office,” the Constitution says. (Lahiru Pothmulla)
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A de Silva Wednesday, 10 May 2017 05:27 PM
Pakarum, for your information, this is not UK.
A de Silva Wednesday, 10 May 2017 05:29 PM
Roger, we are still not under vthe British Government. If we are, please prove that or just shut up.
A de Silva Wednesday, 10 May 2017 05:30 PM
Boss Wedi, we are still not under the British. Wake up, Wedi, wake up.
A de Silva Wednesday, 10 May 2017 05:32 PM
Mallawa malaya, please have yuor head examined before you reply to this.
T.MALLAWA Wednesday, 10 May 2017 11:20 AM
WHAT WAS THE CITIZENSHIP STATUS OF FORMER DEFENSE SECRETARY RAJAPAKSE. ARE ALL DECISIONS AND ACTIONS TAKEN BY HIM IN THE RECENT PAST BECOMING ILLEGAL ?
suranimala Wednesday, 10 May 2017 11:31 AM
For your information that was before we became a Republic
no politics Wednesday, 10 May 2017 12:02 PM
Oh honey! it was way before the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was made. In fact, it was reported this particular clause was brought to prevent Gota and Basil from contesting. I'm not sure, but they say that's the reason.
bunty Tuesday, 09 May 2017 09:16 PM
Rogues from both SLFP and UNP have occupied the seat of power and infighting and intrafighting have taken the national resources away.
RW Tuesday, 09 May 2017 10:23 PM
dear BandulaDont you understand that he is a good friend of RW via DM iOS App
sarri Wednesday, 10 May 2017 01:09 AM
Joint opposition makes a valid point.How com the P M and cabinet and for that matter the President were unaware of the requirements for very important appointments like the Governor of the Central Bank?.
parakum Wednesday, 10 May 2017 05:26 AM
For your information the UK Bank Governor is a Canadian.
Roger Wednesday, 10 May 2017 07:13 AM
Well said Parakum also first CB Governor was British and CB doesnt specify a government servant in that position should be only for SL Citizens. If so prove with gazette via DM Android App
Nandimitra Wednesday, 10 May 2017 07:22 AM
You can practise this in advance by taking Rajapakse brothers taking to courts.
Wedige Wednesday, 10 May 2017 07:43 AM
John Exter was the very first Governer and he was not a Sri Lankan too. Bandula - You need to learn bit of a History of the Central Bank.
Kadiya Wednesday, 10 May 2017 08:02 AM
Mahendran and SAITM-two thorns in the Yahapalanaya back. Do something about these two and the JO will have nothing in their bank!!!
LW Wednesday, 10 May 2017 08:03 AM
Parakum, don't you know SL as an independent sovereign nation has a different constitution than that of UK?
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