I’m a Sri Lankan citizen: Gota reiterates

1 October 2019 12:13 am - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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SLPP Presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa, against whom a case was filed disputing his citizenship, yesterday reiterated that he is a Sri Lankan citizen as his US citizenship was revoked in April this year.

He made these remarks at the Desha Vimukthi Janatha Pakshaya’s Special Convention which was held at the New Town Hall in Colombo yesterday.

He said his US citizenship was revoked following a request made by former president and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa to get ready to contest the upcoming presidential election.

“Just as I accepted the post of defence secretary on his request in 2005 and obtained dual citizenship, I revoked the US citizenship in April this year. According to international standards, if someone's citizenship is being revoked, that country should ascertain that the person has the citizenship of another country. If not he or she will become a stateless person which is inhumane,” Mr. Rajapaksa said.

He said many asked from him recently whether his dual citizenship was a false document as alleged by some politicians and NGOs.

“I applied for dual citizenship in 2005 and the president-elect and subject minister Mahinda Rajapaksa gave the dual citizenship certificate to me. How has the dual citizenship which was applicable to defeat terrorism become a false document after 15 years? If I had completed all requirements and if my president was the brother, why would I get false documents?” he asked.

He said he legally obtained a passport and a national identity card following due procedures by paying the relevant fees under the tenure of this government.

“The people who are preaching democracy are afraid of the democratic choice of the people and trying other means to prevent it. As someone who has faith in the judiciary, I believe the court will make an accurate decision,” Mr.Rajapaksa said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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Comments - 11

GOD Tuesday, 01 October 2019 06:30 AM

Oh, now you realise becoming stateless person is inhumane? How about thosands of Sri Lankan tamil pushed to this situation because of Rajapaksa regime?

Dallas Tuesday, 01 October 2019 06:48 AM

UNP lets block Gota and destroy the entire country

ANTON Tuesday, 01 October 2019 07:10 AM

Ho really? You look like Mr. Bean in a horror movie.

sathees Tuesday, 01 October 2019 07:24 AM

Mr. Gota, have you completed the renouncing US citizenship? In April of this year you submitted the application to the US to renounce the US citizen. Did they accept it? Provide the document to the court. case closed. That simple is that!

Nimal Tuesday, 01 October 2019 09:07 AM

Please prove it to us.

Yankee Dude Tuesday, 01 October 2019 11:50 AM

Are you ? . But you were NOT ! .

Parakum Tuesday, 01 October 2019 05:41 PM

What is the Nationality of the First Lady?

Dee Tuesday, 01 October 2019 05:44 PM

Get an interim order tomorrow

Cobra Tuesday, 01 October 2019 06:12 PM

With one foot in the US

Tinkiriya Tuesday, 01 October 2019 06:59 PM

CIA agent is in trouble. May have to seek asylum overhere. Paw appa!

Venom Tuesday, 01 October 2019 07:35 PM

But my heart belongs to Uncle Sam!!!

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I’m a Sri Lankan citizen: Gota reiterates

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