Wigneswaran wants dual nationality for diaspora

15 February 2014 02:37 am - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Northern province Chief Minister C.V.Wigneswaran stressed the need to give 'dual nationality' to members of the diaspora so that they could return to Sri Lanka and participate in post-war rebuilding work.

He made this request on Thursday while addressing the National Conference on Post-war Socio-Economic Development of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
While being cautious about possible implications of such a move, Mr. Wigneswaran highlighted the importance of a transparent screening process to address any security concerns in such an eventuality.

“The diaspora is a competitive resource we need to capitalise on. They have the technical knowhow and the resources to contribute towards postwar rebuilding. They have the socio-cultural links with their motherland and also genuine interest, which are important ingredients to foster the transfer of knowledge and technical know-how. The government does not have the financial resources and professional technical input or knowledge capital to contribute towards an effective post-war recovery process. We need to adopt strategies that would facilitate the participation of the diaspora and lead to a ‘brain gain’ situation. However, for diaspora professionals to come over and participate in the post-war recovery processes we need to have pragmatic, meaningful structures and modalities in place to ensure their security, safety, motivation and participation. How can we encourage the return of diaspora members when we take steps to prohibit dual nationality (except in the case of a privileged few),” he asked.

However, Mr. Wigneswaran hailed President Mahinda Rajapaksa for having accommodated his request to facilitate the early disbursement of donor money from those living abroad.

“On a positive note, during my recent discussions with the President, in the presence of his Secretary, the Treasury Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary, we discussed the mutual benefits that could be reaped by the Central Government and the Northern Provincial Council by allowing a smooth flow of funds from our brethren abroad, through State organs. One of the difficulties faced by us is the delay in donor monies reaching us. Since valuable foreign currency can flow into the coffers of the State, I said it must ensure the speedy delivery of equivalent local currency to the periphery. The President and his advisors were seemingly very accommodative saying that so long as the donations are approved in advance by the State the passage of the finances to their ultimate destination will be unhindered. This is a positive move and I remain hopeful that we could progress on this front,” he said.Mr. Wigneswaran said a comprehensive needs-assessment of all the sectors was required when dealing with post-war challenges. (Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 8

Razwin Saturday, 15 February 2014 10:17 AM

Yes Mr. CM that the diaspora know how to rebuild the re-war in our country again!
We are never agree to give the dual nationality for them.. Almost we have the such an experience in Madam's

randy Saturday, 15 February 2014 12:27 PM

if Kp and wife can why not others? via DM Android App

Saskia Saturday, 15 February 2014 09:59 AM

How do you block those Tamil diaspora while accepting those Sinhalese diaspora? Will you discriminate? Go ahead.

Burt Sunday, 16 February 2014 05:33 AM

If the Diaspora is really keen to help rebuild the country, for the time being they should apply for Visas and come. If the individual's track record is good, he or she may get the dual citizenship after 5 or 10 years. via DM Android App

salla Sunday, 16 February 2014 07:20 AM

Hi CM, you dont need dual nationality for the terrorist.why dont you along with all thease terrorist obtain nationality in the terror state of tamil nadu. Enough is enough of what you guys want. NO WAY you people should be even shown symphathy as you are a bunch of terrorist.

Jack Sunday, 16 February 2014 12:53 PM

Good initiative

malcolm x Sunday, 16 February 2014 10:12 PM

At present the "Diaspora" appears to be the biggest trouble maker for SL & also the long arm of the defunct LTTE. The Hon CM should know better that the issue of dual nationality seems a far cry.

dwickra Monday, 17 February 2014 02:26 AM

No Sri lankan Citizenship must be granted to any one sees the political asylum in another country.
even for other it must give without voting rights (same as India)
if not they will definitely try to change the political landscape of the country, voting in every election

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Wigneswaran wants dual nationality for diaspora

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