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Basil says ready to give up US citizenship

8 February 2023 04:01 pm - 97     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former Minister and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organizer Basil Rajapaksa said that he is ready to give up his US citizenship if the dual citizenship was an obstacle to his future political activities.

He told a television political program that not only the dual citizenship, but he is also ready to remove any other legal obstacle to work for the people.

He said the people of the country should decide whether he succeeded or failed.

He said he has a great responsibility at this time, in the backdrop of a President who obtained 6.9 million votes being removed and a parliamentarian killed and violence unleashed against a large number of government politicians.

Basil said they were unable to step outside of their houses and several properties of politicians were attacked and burnt down by the public due to the Aragalaya. 

However, Ranil Wickremesinghe who they chose has changed that situation, he said.

Basil said Ranil Wickremesinghe was able to resolve the key issues of gas explosions, fuel queues, and over 10 hours of power cuts.

“At present, we are not facing any of those social issues. We believed he is an individual who has the capacity to resolve such issues and he has proven so,” he said. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasooriya)


  Comments - 97

  • Mandayan Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:09 PM

    Haa, haa! Don’t give us b/s mate. You have no politics in Sri Lanka. Nothing to rob and poor Ranil can’t bring in dollars to put your hand on.

    miro Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:13 PM

    Remember, Your brother started like this.

    A Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:22 PM

    Curse go away !!! If our people still want you in Parliament so be it ....this country has a serious problem.

    Chryshan K Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:26 PM

    No its not an obstacle since you have no political future here. Take all Rajapakses and get the hell out of this country.

    anura hettiarachchi Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:31 PM

    Please please don't give up

    M-Mulana Dogie Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:34 PM

    come here. we will make you a president next time. we need guy like you who have 7 brains to develop this country.

    Lanka putha Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:37 PM

    Congratulations. Good one sir. You should be our next president too. Good luck and God bless bs. Who needs the Americans. Hope you will do a much better job

    Pravir Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:50 PM

    The greener pasture is of course here in Sri Lanka for uneducated experienced robbers

    Buddhist Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:51 PM

    Now Basil is scared of the new laws enacted by the US to file legal action against bribery and human rights violations by US citizens abroad.

    vinod Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:53 PM

    If RW is the person to resolve such issues, why should anyone vote for Rajapakshas

    Truth Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:57 PM

    RW is dependant on these rogues for his survival. These rogues are dependent on RW for their survival. The circus will go on.

    Big Sam Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:59 PM

    Come on Uncle Sam, you can't do this to us!

    Premalal Perera Wednesday, 08 February 2023 04:59 PM

    Please don't. We are so much better off without you taking 10% of everything.

    Gamunu Wijetunge Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:02 PM

    We certainly don't want this crook in our country. Deport him to his mother land as quickly as possible.

    Volker Metzger Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:03 PM

    Sri Lankans! beware of people like Basil Rajapaksa, unable to learn and history-blind as they are, they only want one thing: the satisfaction of their thirst for power !!! All means are right for them!!! Ranil is the means to realize this claim to power! It is to be hoped that the majority of the people will see through this evil, tried and tested game of the members of the Rajapaksa family clan and expose it as a deception !!! Sri Lanka only has a chance for a good future with "new" responsible and better politicians!

    kaputu kak kak Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:03 PM

    This thug must be deported to HELL

    Nilmini Welivita Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:04 PM

    Does he want to steal the rest of what is left in SriLanka? I hope JVP comes into power soon to send him to prison where he belongs.

    Kaputu Kaak Kaak Kaak Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:11 PM

    Do I laugh from where you know.

    Basil better than other contenders to be next President Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:17 PM

    Duel citizenship complaining by JVP and SJB was always pure joke. Gota gave up US citizenship and became president. Having overseas citizen does not change a persons good or bad attitude. People like Wimal are all barking about dual citizenship while doing all sorts of frauds and passport tricks. Basil is far more suited to be President than Ranil any day of the week.

    Sri Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:18 PM

    Give up it and end up in jail in Sri Lanka or USA . This would better for the country and its people. People are cursing you and your family for all this mess ..

    Upulpb Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:19 PM

    Must be wanting to rob the country of what is left

    Vadivel Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:23 PM

    More opportunities in SL for 10% commis projects since our uncle Ranil will take care of all of us

    Gamini Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:40 PM

    Please stay outside the country and away from Sri Lankan politics if you have an iota of love for the country and its people.

    Caw Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:50 PM

    Shameless crow...

    SSiva Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:51 PM

    Does he want a vote from the public? He has the right to do whatever he wishes Let him make up his mind and do it. Nobody wants to ask or dictate to him He should remember that there are more than 2 million Sri Lankans who can say the same thing. Its for the present government to make things good for them to return with their money.

    Sudda Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:57 PM

    Please keep your US Citizenship and leave Sri Lanka. You have done enough harm here.

    Submission Wednesday, 08 February 2023 05:57 PM

    Basil admitted (shamelessly) that Rajapashas were unable to solve those two issues which Ranil did after becoming the president.So question is you admitted you are an incapable lot, then why coming back to politics,good riddance.

    rbh Wednesday, 08 February 2023 06:00 PM

    Before he was against Ranil now he is with Ranil in future what will happen with Ranil. Mathri was with Ranil Then he was against Ranil Now In future what will happen with Ranil. The country is left barren. Ranil prooving with imposing TAX Demo crazy

    Peter Bruce Wednesday, 08 February 2023 06:04 PM

    This man thinks he can work in politics again after being part of the family gang that has stolen billions of rupees......surely the Sri Lankan people will not vote for any Rajapaksa again.

    Ganesh Wednesday, 08 February 2023 06:28 PM

    Please don't, we don't want you or any of your family members to rob us anymore in the name of working for our betterment.

    Jehan Wednesday, 08 February 2023 06:52 PM

    Is he so dumb or just acting?

    Sam Silva Wednesday, 08 February 2023 06:52 PM

    This fellow is not suitable to do a driver job in USA and wants to stay in our country and rob more. Ranil is helping. Sad situation.

    SHM Wednesday, 08 February 2023 07:02 PM

    The entire Lankan population is waiting for your return to politics take over the finance ministry again. Until then we will wait shouting 'Kaputu Ka Ka!'

    Cow boy Wednesday, 08 February 2023 07:57 PM

    So what? We are not interested!!!

    Lakmal Kahawela Wednesday, 08 February 2023 08:12 PM

    Basil please let us stay as we are. Mind your own business please. We don't want any Rajapakses anymore. Enough is enough

    Citizen siripalakoddituwakku Wednesday, 08 February 2023 08:49 PM

    Yes Hora Basil. Please give up US citizenship, then we will be able to castrate and hang you for crimes against tge Sri Lankan people. The scaffold is ready.

    Any fools will be somebody in Sri Lanka Wednesday, 08 February 2023 08:55 PM

    He will get nothing with US citizenship but he can be a President or Prime minister with Sri Lankan citizenship.

    johan Wednesday, 08 February 2023 11:49 PM

    What knowledge he has to be a President or PM with his OL qualifications.Pitta Kottuwa Mudalalies are better than this fellow.

    Joshua Wednesday, 08 February 2023 09:08 PM

    You should be chased out of SL . You have no place here. Go and stay in USA

    US Citizen Thursday, 09 February 2023 02:21 AM

    Please keep your trash in Sri Lanka.

    Chinthaka Wednesday, 08 February 2023 09:30 PM

    Yes, we love to have you so that you can make mega money on deals which you can't make in USA.

    This is theparadiseforthem. Wednesday, 08 February 2023 10:25 PM

    Lanka is the only country that will not only accommodate, but also worship the Rajapassa clans! Look at the way they are thriving among the messes. Can they expect this type royal treatment in the USA? Never This is the paradise for them.

    GHT Wednesday, 08 February 2023 10:44 PM

    Well done sir, your come-back is what the people await hoping better future. You may take Ranil as long as he comes and joins with SLPP kicking out his old DEAD PARTY (UNP) members who never succeeded in entering even as Member of Parliament. The general Public have REJECTED the DEAD PARTY ie UNP.

    GHT Wednesday, 08 February 2023 10:46 PM

    Yes sir, RENOUNCE the US CITIZENSHIP and come and JOIN with the PEOPLE of SRI LANKA to win those ARAGALAYALISTS.

    Big daddy Wednesday, 08 February 2023 10:53 PM

    We've had enough of you guys. Thanks! Just get lost perhaps to a some other planet where the crows are not there

    Volker Metzger Wednesday, 08 February 2023 11:08 PM

    Sri Lankans! Greatest caution with people like Basil Rajapaksa, unable to learn and history-blind as they are, they only want one thing: the satisfaction of their lust for power !!! Do it at any price, that's the only motto of her life! All means are right for them!!! Ranil is the medium to realize this claim to power! It is to be hoped that the majority of the people will see through this evil, tried and tested game of the members of the Rajapaksa family clan and expose it as a deception !!! Sri Lanka only has a chance for a good future with "new" responsible and better politicians!

    Tissa Fernando Wednesday, 08 February 2023 11:09 PM

    Giving up the US citizenship is more profitable for him, he does not have to pay IS tax. If he lives in US , he can only earn at the minimum wage as he has no professional skill. Here he can make enough money by being a politician, with his little brain he can control many brainless politicians.

    Rosh SAMARATHUNGA Wednesday, 08 February 2023 11:19 PM

    Please don’t give up your citizenship to join with master debating unelected president. Yes indeed you are one of the culprits to ruined the country. Nothing left on your family or your cronies. What country needs is young unemployed graduates in the parliament from all part of the country. We need Tamil president and Muslim prime minister to country forward to prosperity.

    RR Wednesday, 08 February 2023 11:33 PM

    BASIL PLEASE DO NOT COME AND DO POLITICS IN SRI LANKA. WHY DO YOU WANT TO DO POLITICS, CANT YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE? YOU HAVE ALREADY MESSED UP OUR ECONOMY. WHY DO YOU WANT TO RETURN TO LANKA. IS IT TO CONTINUE ROBBING? YOU CANNOT GET THIS CHANCE AGAIN BASIL.

    Jagath Leanage Wednesday, 08 February 2023 11:35 PM

    කොරයි කියල තමයි බය .

    ACA Wednesday, 08 February 2023 11:55 PM

    Third one is getting ready to destroy the remaining skeleton of the country.

    Mahila Thursday, 09 February 2023 12:31 AM

    Even he starts now, going by GR's episode, he will not relinquish it by November 2024 - next presidential elections!!! Solve the problem, re-appoint Mahinda Deshapriya, once again as Commissioner -General elections in SL!!?? Then may solve the knotty issue very amicably!!

    Mahila Thursday, 09 February 2023 12:31 AM

    Even he starts now, going by GR's episode, he will not relinquish it by November 2024 - next presidential elections!!! Solve the problem, re-appoint Mahinda Deshapriya, once again as Commissioner -General elections in SL!!?? Then may solve the knotty issue very amicably!!

    Nora Petera Thursday, 09 February 2023 12:32 AM

    Nora -Who wants you, Basil. You are not wanted for heaven's sake. Ranil and Rajapakses are doomed. You have to face justice, return the loot and none if the citizens want you. Keep off politics in Sri Lanka. Together with Ranil get the hell out of Sri Lanka. Dakhama wamane yanawa.

    Buddhist Thursday, 09 February 2023 12:37 AM

    There are new laws enacted in the US to file legal action against those Americans who are involved in bribery and corruption overseas.

    Ram Thursday, 09 February 2023 01:16 AM

    If ready why didn't he give up. He will stay as US citizen and enjoy the benefits of both worlds

    Nihal S Thursday, 09 February 2023 01:41 AM

    Mr 10% - Do not give up your US citizenship. Please return to the USA. Sri Lanka will be better-off without Rajapakse looters.

    Hawkeye Thursday, 09 February 2023 02:02 AM

    Mr 10% please do not plan to continue to loot the country again. Is it not enough that you and your brothers along with their children wrecked havoc on the economy of this country and piled misery on the common-man's back? What is your qualification to climb the highest office of this country -a back yard grade 8 pass?

    RP Thursday, 09 February 2023 03:57 AM

    It is indeed Shame that media is still covering this clown's remarks!

    Ismet Zaheed Thursday, 09 February 2023 04:26 AM

    You can opt to become the President of the Socialist Republic of Kaputas!

    Waco Thursday, 09 February 2023 04:50 AM

    Go back to your adopted country, you are not welcome in Sri Lanka. Well known a 10% commission man or KAPUTA.

    Punchi Thursday, 09 February 2023 05:57 AM

    There is a law in the US where the government can confiscate assets that are acquired by funds that cannot be explained or legally obtained. Basil can only protect his ill gotten assets by relinquishing his US citizenship and returning to the bosom of corrupt mother lanka

    sss Thursday, 09 February 2023 06:29 AM

    Looks like US law enforcement is after him for incidences of corruption. In Sri Lanka he does not have to worry about the "upstanding" judiciary.

    Ajith Weerakoon Thursday, 09 February 2023 06:36 AM

    This scavenger wants to steal what is left of the country. Deport him to his motherland as soon as possible.

    Hora Kaputa Thursday, 09 February 2023 06:39 AM

    Good when the NPP comes into power we can recover the funds he stole and imprison him and he will not be able to run away and hide in the USA.

    jothika Thursday, 09 February 2023 06:41 AM

    stop promoting this frog? this is not news

    Percy Wijenayake Thursday, 09 February 2023 06:42 AM

    Shame on you ,we don't want you in Sri Lankan politics anymore.

    Wiseman Thursday, 09 February 2023 07:19 AM

    We don't need 10% crows in SL politics

    mp Thursday, 09 February 2023 07:50 AM

    You and the whole Rajapaksa families are a curse to this country.

    Lankan Thursday, 09 February 2023 07:53 AM

    Give up SL citizenship and GROBR.

    Massdeen Thursday, 09 February 2023 08:05 AM

    Mr Basil, please save your US citizenship and keep away from Sri Lanka allowing us to live peacefully, we don’t need you here, if you live in Sri Lanka you will make our lives difficult.

    Waco Thursday, 09 February 2023 08:08 AM

    All the court cases withdrawn should be reactivated and inquired in to, before anu thing else.

    RR Thursday, 09 February 2023 08:38 AM

    OH SHIT

    Neel Thursday, 09 February 2023 08:38 AM

    How clever theses morons. No shame at all. 6.9 yes, stick in to your...

    Anura Nanayakkara Thursday, 09 February 2023 08:41 AM

    You are a man born to Srilankan parents and fully entitled to engage in Sri Lankan politics if you wish to do so according to Sri Lankan rules and regulations.

    D S de Silva Thursday, 09 February 2023 09:12 AM

    This rogue should be investigated in Sri Lanka first. The Rajapakse family is a curse to Sri Lanka. Don't allow this rascal to come anywhere near Sri Lanka.

    rbh Thursday, 09 February 2023 09:20 AM

    It is likely that US will scrap his citizenship thay do not want bad name to US as his signaling that he is in favour of sri lanka and he wants to scrap

    DW Thursday, 09 February 2023 09:23 AM

    He is nothing in the US. So please continue to be nothing. Don't give up US citizenship. Sri Lankans don't want someone who is fully or partially responsible for destroying the country.

    Kandy Thursday, 09 February 2023 09:26 AM

    What an audacity to even think of doing politics again?

    Biyagama Thursday, 09 February 2023 09:37 AM

    We saw some moves by the US Government recently with regard to foreign citizens living in the US. Could this be the reason for Basil to quietly get out from that country ?

    KAMIL Falool Thursday, 09 February 2023 09:39 AM

    YOU ARE THE MAIN DESTROYER OF THE COUNTRY. YOU HAVE NO SHAME OF YOUR SELF. REMEMBER WE ARE CURSING YOU SND YOUR BROTHERS EVERDAY.

    Kamal Bolawansa Thursday, 09 February 2023 09:40 AM

    Kaputa is Kaputa never becomes White at any cost. He is playing a political game.

    Dr. Rudy Costa from London Thursday, 09 February 2023 09:44 AM

    The entire Rajapakshe family is greedy to wealth, luxury life and all comforts through illegal means (forgetting their past when they were small), Basil is not exemptional.

    Prof. K.M. Ramalingam Thursday, 09 February 2023 09:46 AM

    Basil either you withdraw the US citizenship or not, nothing is going to happen to your party - it is already dead and Rajapakshe family is dead according to Lanka Matha.

    Wimal Thursday, 09 February 2023 10:28 AM

    Are you OL qualified?

    Adwani Thursday, 09 February 2023 10:55 AM

    Finding it difficult to speak English and fool the Americans.

    sam Thursday, 09 February 2023 11:44 AM

    Srilankan politics is open to looting which is better than managing assets acquired with stolen money in US.

    US Citizen Thursday, 09 February 2023 12:03 PM

    Keep your trash in Sri Lanka.

    LankanLover Thursday, 09 February 2023 12:10 PM

    Return all the public funds you and your family robbed then do whatever you want! did not even pay for the tea and rolls at VIP lounge....please go back to USA...

    K. Andersson Thursday, 09 February 2023 12:22 PM

    You are a scoundrel. Keep your dirty hands off Sri Lankan matters and get lost. Unethical worthless good for nothing opportunist.

    Volker Metzger Thursday, 09 February 2023 12:52 PM

    Sri Lankans! beware of people like Basil Rajapaksa, unable to learn and history-blind as they are, they only want one thing: the satisfaction of their thirst for power !!! All means are right for them!!! Ranil is the means to realize this claim to power! It is to be hoped that the majority of the people will see through this evil, tried and tested game of the members of the Rajapaksa family clan and expose it as a deception !!! Sri Lanka only has a chance for a good future with "new" responsible and better politicians!

    Prabhath Perera Thursday, 09 February 2023 01:49 PM

    One of your sibling has given up his US citizenship and had to leave the country unannounced. You have much less chance of being successful, so show your intelligence and run away. You will not be able to enter Parliament even through the National List.

    Upali Hemachandra Thursday, 09 February 2023 03:51 PM

    Don't do that foolish thing. The same thing that happened to your brother will happen to you. You can never become the President of Sri Lanka. Satisfy with what you have already robbed from the Sri Lankan people and never come to Sri Lanka again.

    RR Thursday, 09 February 2023 06:43 PM

    ASK CBK FOR BASILS CREDIBILITY

    Shelly Friday, 10 February 2023 04:13 AM

    Life in Sri Lanka is a life of luxury for politicians. Being an American citizen means you are taxed from all your income, even what is earned in any country outside of US. You also have to declare your assets to the IRS. Any bank deposit over $600 is reported to the IRS and large amounts of money deposits in your bank account is thoroughly investigated for money laundering activity. The US is tough. It is easy to flout the laws in Sri Lanka because of the corruption and power of influential connections.

    Andrew Silva Friday, 10 February 2023 04:31 AM

    US gains Sri Lanka looses.

    Sagara Friday, 10 February 2023 01:45 PM

    I think Basil is taking a risk in giving up US Citizenship as, if he decides to take up residence in Sri Lanka, his residence may be Welikada and not the Mansion in Biyagama.


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