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Colombo, May 10 (Daily Mirror) - In the wake of UK citizenship holding Diana Gamage losing her parliamentary seat following a ruling by the Supreme Court, the immigration authorities are planning to consult the Attorney General to inquire into how she lived in Sri Lanka without a valid visa since she last arrived in the country on a tourist visa since around 2014, an official said.
She lost her parliamentary seat on the grounds that she is a UK citizen. The Supreme Court observed that the evidence before the Court establishes that Diana Gamage ceased to be a citizen of Sri Lanka upon acquiring British citizenship and failed to resume the status of citizen of Sri Lanka according to law. She is thereby disqualified to be an MP by the Constitution.
With the ruling, the question arises of how she, as a non-Sri Lankan, has lived in the country without any valid document. Earlier, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed court that she had been living in the country using a forged document in violation of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act.
Asked for a comment whether the immigration authorities will look into this, Public Security Ministry Secretary Viyani Gunatilake said, “we have sought instructions from the Attorney General."
Previously, actress-turned-politician Geetha Kumarasinghe lost her parliamentary seat over her dual citizenship in Sri Lanka and Switzerland. When the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was incorporated, dual citizens were barred from contesting elections to be elected President or MPs. Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to renounce his US citizenship to contest the 2019 presidential elections. However, in the enactment of the 20th Amendment to the constitution under his government, this provision was revoked enabling dual citizens to get back to Parliament. Mr. Basil Rajapaksa was nominated to the House despite being a citizen of both Sri Lanka and the US under the new law only. However, it was again removed in the enactment of the next constitutional amendment.
Election Commission’s Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said it is impossible to check the foreign or dual citizenship status of candidates when they submit nominations to contest elections.
Sobers Saturday, 11 May 2024 06:29 AM
We have a very poor administrative system. Immigration, Elections Dept are the main culprits. They should be investigated and penalised.
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Samson Saturday, 11 May 2024 09:57 PM
The President should take full responsibility for appointing a illegal immigrant to become a Minister /MP and taking all the perks. This does not happen even in a third world country. So we are below that. Where are heroes who commented about VFS , probably they would do a better job.
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Vandervert Sunday, 12 May 2024 08:27 AM
This illegal immigrant should have been in the Mirihana camp and deported. But she is made a MP and a State Minister..... The joke o 90f SL.. Who is the President of this banana Republic ?
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Spartacus Saturday, 11 May 2024 07:03 AM
In a country of ponnayas, this immigration will also take years to deport her. If this was a Tamil MP or any normal foreigner, it would be immediate remand in Mirihana and blacklisted from entry into Sri Lanka for a life time. This why we are a certified country of Ponnayas.
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AjayK Saturday, 11 May 2024 04:19 PM
I thought it is the minorities who are normally the privileged lot when law gets enforced in Sri Lanka. Among thousands of example incidents, every time we see ones from minority go scot free when they have insulted Buddhism, but if a Buddhist's statement hurts a minority religion, sure to get a jail sentence.
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Sam Saturday, 11 May 2024 04:31 PM
You recently spoke for gay people's rights and blamed Sri Lankans for not 'treating them rightly', but other times you use the word 'ponnaya' as a degrading term to insult. Or are your referring to GG Ponnambalam who founded the ethnic political mess in the country?
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Arthuritis Sunday, 12 May 2024 03:16 AM
Spartacus ! well said. We are a country of ponnayas, of which the President is a ponnaya, his C off S is a ponnaya, his advisor is a ponnaya, all ministers are ponnayas, police are all ponnayas, Opposition all ponnayas, the whole damned country all ponnayas.
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Bandu Saturday, 11 May 2024 07:15 AM
If it is impossible to check the foreign or dual citizenship status of candidates what purpose does our I
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Bandu Saturday, 11 May 2024 11:32 AM
For what purpose is our Immigration Dept. if it cannot answer this simple question. And where does the AG come in - the CID can do the needful if it wants.
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Outdated Computer System or Work Processes Sunday, 12 May 2024 01:37 AM
Your comments are incomplete during transmission However, figure out If dual citizenship, the person leaves for example UK with British passport. At SL airport, the SL passport is shown to immigration. So no way immigration is aware. But if foreigners, apparently immigration don’t keep track. The recent Ukraine and Russian overstayers were referred to Tourism authority to find out number of them which is ridiculous. Immigration should be knowing the figures but seems their system might be outdated to keep track!
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Kick the scum out Saturday, 11 May 2024 07:28 AM
How about defrauding the tax payers? The government handed out harsh penalties for something simple as a facebook post, now let’s see how skewed the system is.
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D R WILLIAM Saturday, 11 May 2024 07:41 AM
What is there to consult Attorney General. It is very clear that she has violated the visa conditions. Provisions in the I
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Onlooker Saturday, 11 May 2024 11:26 AM
Obviously to delay to file action as she is a supposedly "VIP".
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RV Pillai Saturday, 11 May 2024 04:21 PM
Well said. Those vested power is trying to please some for post retirement benefits.
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wsw Saturday, 11 May 2024 06:24 PM
Yes, this is the only country in the world where authorities go running to the AGs department to decide if a particular violator should be charged or not. If a person has committed an offense, there should be mandatory penalties in the first place in black and white.
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Jayampathi Saturday, 11 May 2024 07:52 AM
Why should it be a problem to check foreign or dual citizen. Get the Foreign country to confirm whether or not he or she is a citizen and if citizen from which date. Similarly, dual citizenship is awarded by Controller of Immigration and Emigration and data is readily available. So, what is the Election Commission Chairman saying. A junior Auditor will know how to do this.
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Special auditor to check National ID? Saturday, 11 May 2024 04:40 PM
When GOTA submitted his nomination, nobody took the trouble to verify his National ID, which is very necessary even to enter Govt. offices. You don't need a junior auditor for this.
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Gamini Saturday, 11 May 2024 08:34 AM
If I am correct a foreign visitor to any country is not allowed in politics of that country. She is still doing this after the verdict openly. She ought to be arrested solely on this condition.
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Nihal S Saturday, 11 May 2024 08:44 AM
The Law should apply to her as well. If it was a normal citizen, I doubt if the Authorities refer to matter to the AG for advice.
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wsw Saturday, 11 May 2024 06:31 PM
Yes but she is in favour with the current rulership so as it is the norm in Sri Lanka, authorities fear retribution and have to thread very carefully to avoid antagonising high places. Excellent hall marks of a democratic society.
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melville perera Saturday, 11 May 2024 08:55 AM
the election commissioner's comment is absolutely stupid and the immigration chief no better Any state or private institution requires a person to produce his/ her ID even to enter the premises Where was the Immigration chief since 2014 to now seek AG's advice about validity and further action. Both are responsible for neglect of duty and waste of time and unwanted taxpayers money The SC decision in this sensational case destroyed a woman's empowerment by deception Her misbehaviour within the premises of parliament is a disgrace and would not have been tolerated even in UK
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Asoka Goonawardena Saturday, 11 May 2024 09:17 AM
Under the law of the Land she should be charged and sentenced without any hesitation. Everything is so clear that she was a fraud, giving false information to everyone including the courts
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CitizenP Saturday, 11 May 2024 09:20 AM
If this happen to any other citizen CID will take prompt action.
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Dr Saman Saturday, 11 May 2024 09:41 AM
This is just another one example of one of the key problems in our society. People with political influence staying above the law. I will vote for anyone who promises to establish rule of law - ie. no one from the president above the law. erradicate the VIP culture!!
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No politrics Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:05 AM
What would you do to a normal person who has no political powers ?apply the same law here . It’s that simple.. why would you ask AG’s advice only when you come to politicians?
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Jude Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:11 AM
I reiterate, her defence counsel former ASG turned defence counsel have gotten so much business from 1 client, yeah.
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sam Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:15 AM
Action should be taken for overstaying visa and deported.
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Kmm Sunday, 12 May 2024 07:25 AM
Can you remember there was a british foreigner was involved in political activities during Aragalaya period at that time the immigration depth was behind to catch her to put her in jail so they are very keen on that so why the immigration dept blind folded from 2014 ????? So have to penalised immigration official for this neglected.
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LankanLover Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:39 AM
They change the Law how they want, if they wanted a person in the Parliament they change the Law, This is Sri Lanka no wonder, My question is how come she became a Member of Parliament in the first place? Our officials are not that capable of identifying a forged documents? Joke of this era.
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Gune Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:56 AM
This is the problem with this corrupt useless country. A normal foreiner is slugged with Us$500 for overstaying in this wonderland for a single day when they try to leave at the airport. Yet, this women has been living in SL as a Parlimenrarian illegally. Isn't this the biggest joker land? Yet, these morons want this to be a developed country by 2048, a laughing stock indeed. First thing you need to be a truly developed cpuntry is that no one should be above the law. Has SL got an immigration Minister? Where is President?
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LK Saturday, 11 May 2024 11:12 AM
please do not blame her for this. Thousands of people overstay in Sri Lanka. Yet, no one knows about it. secondly, blame the executive presidency, the main reason is that all our executive presidents are supporting these people for their political reasons. We have a corrupt system that people will power can get away with. Politicians from presidents to MPs have great influence over the judiciary and the poor judges are scared of them: they do not have freedom to work freely: The same immigration officials will be fired if they dare to take action. NPP will get rid of all these people Do not worry Soon the old system will be changed with NPP
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Citizen Saturday, 11 May 2024 12:59 PM
Its a parliament joke, even a tourist can become a MP in this country and after many years now only the immigration woke up from their sleep. Banana republic at its best. Everything has to be changed in this country from A to Z.
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Perera Saturday, 11 May 2024 03:18 PM
What about other duel citizens in parliament? Aren't they deserve to be punished as the same way?
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Confused public Saturday, 11 May 2024 03:29 PM
Election commissioner does know if the people eligible to become MP, ministers doesn't know what they are elected to do, voters don't know why they selected these people. It is a crazy country like no other.
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Gt Saturday, 11 May 2024 04:04 PM
So why is basil in trying to be pres? Isn't he dual aswell? Or rules only made for non rajapakses?
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Intiquab Ghouse Saturday, 11 May 2024 04:18 PM
What's happening with Wimal and his wife for forged birth certificate and the passports,
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RV Pillai Saturday, 11 May 2024 04:19 PM
Sri Lanka is a unique country. A person who should have been deported 10 years ago has been honoured as a Member of Parliament with the courtesy of Ranil - Sajith infighting in UNP. Both are responsible for this situation. They must apologise to the People of the Country for this serious trajedy on the souvreignity. No excuses or justifications. Why delay in deporting. Is there is a Controller of immigration and emmigration.
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pantha Saturday, 11 May 2024 04:22 PM
Our country is becoming a joke to other nations. We have a Minister in the government who is a foreign nationality. Another foreign nationality is dictating terms to our President. What happened to our local people.
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A Good Citizen Saturday, 11 May 2024 04:36 PM
What to expect from this lawless country and it will be in the Guinness world of records soon, for the country with most corrupted politicians in the Parliament !!!
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Upul Saturday, 11 May 2024 05:22 PM
"immigration authorities are planning to consult the Attorney General to inquire into how she lived in Sri Lanka without a valid visa since she last arrived in the country on a tourist visa" Why this Immigration wants to ask someone else when they are the people who should know that a person is living here without a valid visa. Their system should let them know if their is entry date and no departure date after the visa valid period, then, that person is living here illegally.
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DOT Saturday, 11 May 2024 05:54 PM
Funny country; A visa violetted person become a deputy minister of tourisam !
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Shera Saturday, 11 May 2024 06:27 PM
Lame excuse to say it is impossible to do a background check on someone especially a political candidate. There are so many companies online who work with a a country's government databases to do background checks. Ignorance is bliss when it comes to avoiding responsibility.
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Nakipala Myhanetti Saturday, 11 May 2024 06:41 PM
Wonder PUL Kantri of Siri Langa with out any law and oder!! Law must open their eyes now!! This unelected man says, after 50 years of Pin Padi service, he will maintain the law and order from 2025! Some Golubellas believe this!!
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sam Saturday, 11 May 2024 07:05 PM
First arrest, then follow the law.
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Navi Saturday, 11 May 2024 09:18 PM
Over Stay is a minor offence. Max punishment is (01) Month per every years. 1/3 discount for plead guilty. Another 1/3 for good behaviour. One day is calculated as 9 hours. WE MUST REMIND OURSELVES HOW MANY SL OVERSTAYERS IN SL AND HOW MANY SRI LANKANS THE WORLD OVER EXPLOITING SYSTEMS. We should not create a Mountain of a Molehill. Also how many in her situation are in Parliament?
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ROHINI WIJETILLEKE Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:00 PM
THE PROBLEM IS LACK OF DUE DILIGENCE BY THE AUTHORITIES. INTEGRITY IS A MAJOR CONCERN. WHEN INTEGRITY IS LACKING THERE IS NOTHING
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Banda Sunday, 12 May 2024 03:07 AM
Her husband, Senaka Silva, thinks this country is a fantasyland or something. He is asking the president to give her citizenship with effect since her arrival and sort it out with an under-the-floor policy. What a joker!
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DJ Sunday, 12 May 2024 03:11 AM
Why do you need the attorney General to look into this?
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Lankaputha Sunday, 12 May 2024 03:55 AM
Election Commission’s Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said it is impossible to check the foreign or dual citizenship status of candidates when they submit nominations to contest elections. Don't we maintain register of people who obtained Dual Citizenship or revoked Sri Lankan Citizenship. Check by name, ID number, Birth year.. there can't be Millions in that
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ROSH Sunday, 12 May 2024 09:04 AM
Uneducated master debating president now do everything to disconnect weak individuals to political gain. Please don’t fell into these traps
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Vernon Sunday, 12 May 2024 09:22 AM
They can introduce a declaration to be given by each candidate to say that they are not a citizen of another country, when submitting nominations. So, if caught then they can be punished easily.
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