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Over 10 MPs with dual citizenship still in parliament; step down before elections: Ven. Sobitha Thera
Colombo, May 11 (Daily Mirror) - Venerable Omalpe Sobitha Thera told the Daily Mirror today that there are over 10 members currently serving in Parliament who hold dual citizenship and said that those MPs should be removed from their posts before the elections.
"In light of the Supreme Court ruling, I would like to kindly request all party leaders to disclose any members within their parties who hold dual citizenships," he said.
MPs holding dual citizenship should step down before the upcoming elections; otherwise, the respective party leaders should bear the responsibility, he added.
"These MPs have no loyalty to the country; they simply occupy parliamentary positions for personal gain. We have the capability to disclose their identities, but they should be granted an opportunity to reveal themselves before the upcoming elections," he said.
"If they fail to come forward, we'll have to pursue legal action against them. However, resorting to litigation over these issues is both time-consuming and costly," Ven. Sobhitha Thero said.
"Therefore, I urge these MPs to respectfully resign from their positions and I also remind party leaders to choose their representatives carefully," the Thera said.
Ven. Sobhitha Thero said that pursuing legal action over these issues is pointless and a waste of time and resources. Therefore, he urged those MPs to resign from their positions gracefully.
Comments - 62
Comments - Over 10 MPs with dual citizenship still in parliament; step down before elections: Ven. Sobitha Thera
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Priyanee Wijesekera Saturday, 11 May 2024 09:51 PM
The responsibility lies with the elections commission.
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Dr. Upul Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:02 PM
So what is use of election commissioner and law of the country, first party should be punished is the one accepted the nomination of these contestants who are duel citizens. Second is the party leaders who knowingly given appointment to those people. What about the immigration officers?
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IITAX PAYER SINCE 1975 - Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:05 PM
WHY SHOULD WE PAY INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX TO PAY SALARIES
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Spartacus Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:19 PM
Omathe Sobitha Thera why are you unable to name those MP,'s? Is it because you are a punk to the political system?
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Mahila Monday, 13 May 2024 08:36 AM
Valuable are at Stake!!?? Starting with the V8 Mercedes AMG!!!??? Not OMG, ‘Oh My God’, ‘AMG’ “All My God”!!??? Super Luxury!!??? Don't know whether Coming or Going??? So "Velvety Soft" RIDE!!!??? How TO!!!???
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Naganathan Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:20 PM
The authorities should check Tamil MPs from north and east because they have western and Srilankan citizenship and properties as well. Upcountry Tamil MPs especially Thondamans because they may have Indian citizenship and properties in India.
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melville perera Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:24 PM
Please reveal their names even if they do not step dow as taxpayers monies are wasted on them for deceiving the public with their deception
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wickrama wijayasiri Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:26 PM
Agree 101% except law enforcement should be done irrespective of the cost. These individuals' allegiance should be to SL without compromise. Waiting to 'jump off' if things get too hot in SL should not be the attitude. If you want to swim, jump in the pool. Holding on to 'guardrails' should not be allowed.
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Shera Saturday, 11 May 2024 10:41 PM
I totally agree with him. Except I don't agree that loyalty should be measured this way. People who hold foreign citizenship are constantly looked down on as being unpatriotic. This is narrow minded thinking. Most often they are more patriotic and loyal to Sri Lanka than those who are citizens.
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Puswadilla Saturday, 11 May 2024 11:01 PM
Please give them a week or two to step down according to the law of the country else release their names in public. After all they are being paid be the tax payers money during this present tough times. It’s sad and shameful these people have been knowingly or what ever being entertained be it in what ever party they may be of.
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Dr Saman Saturday, 11 May 2024 11:43 PM
This is just another symptom of the rotten political culture in our country. Majority of MPs are there for themselves. No one cares about ethics - they just think they are above the law since people have voted them in. This just shows why a complete transformation is needed.
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ABOUT TIME THIS MATTER WAS DISCLOSED Sunday, 12 May 2024 12:17 AM
EXCELLENT POST BY THE VEN. O. THERA. SOME OF US WAS WAITING PATIENTLY FOR THIS REVEAL.
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Citizen zero Sunday, 12 May 2024 12:19 AM
I totally agree. Please name these MPs. Thank you.
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Prof. Senarath Sunday, 12 May 2024 01:10 AM
If an ineligible candidate is proven to be in a nominations list, the whole list becomes invalid. There is precedent for this. So if you think someone is a dual citizen collect evidence NOW and use it on the nominations day!! When political parties realise this is a risk, they will never field any of them in their lists. So your evidence becomes a deterrant.
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Ram Sunday, 12 May 2024 02:42 AM
I believe all MPs got to sign an affidavit stating that they are not citizens of any other country except SL. If they have sworn a false affidavit they must be charged and jailed. If such provision to swear/affirm n affidavit is not there that must be included ASAP into the Law/Rules
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Hon. Sarneris Sunday, 12 May 2024 03:34 AM
In most countries dual citizens are considered traitors and, are not allowed to hold government jobs or get government contracts. But in Lala land of Lanka they become MPs, ministers and even presidents.
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ranjit Sunday, 12 May 2024 03:38 AM
" We have the capability to disclose their identities," those who had been hiding these information for the for the past few years are also should bear the responsibility.
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The statement about dual citizens is a complete lie Sunday, 12 May 2024 04:58 AM
All the MPs should get together to attack this Thera. He previously caused great losses to the CEB wanting to buy power at below costs. He must be prevented from becoming and MP again, and his mud slinging is totally to put himself above others. Any and all Sri Lankans would be better off with dual citizens, more freedoms, better earning potential. Thera lie about dual citizen MPs is an affront to all MPs.
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Ignatius Sunday, 12 May 2024 05:24 AM
FLUSH them OUT. They will never work for the betterment of the COUNTRY
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Baiya Sunday, 12 May 2024 06:25 AM
Dual is ok. No Sri Lankan citizenship is the issue.
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Kevin Sunday, 12 May 2024 06:28 AM
Ones who are with citizenship in Eelam dreamland do not have loyalty to the country than anyone else. Do we care?
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Ram Sunday, 12 May 2024 06:46 AM
This blockade of dual citizens to parliament was introduced entirely to block political work of two Rajapakses during Ranil's previous rule. Today also it is only used against target persons on rivalry. It will never go beyond that purpose. In our country it will never be practiced on principle Ven Thero is imagining.
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Jude Sunday, 12 May 2024 07:18 AM
Yeah the guy with පිවිතුරු හෙළ උරුමය " is an Australian citizen and he can't Go back Coz he's wanted man in downunder!!
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Nimal Sunday, 12 May 2024 07:37 AM
Ven Thero, this comes in the wake of the foul mouthed woman being chased away from the parliament as she justly deserved. The most commendable achievements were keeping the liquor stores open from 0800 hrs to 2200 hrs from the 12 hours that they were earlier open and the initiation of state sponsored ganja cultivation. Fortunately, the ganja project did not materialize. If you can please name these scoundrels.
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Mohandev Sunday, 12 May 2024 07:53 AM
No point giving big talks pls have an open press conference
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Jagath Sunday, 12 May 2024 07:53 AM
Dr. Harsha de Silva are you listening?
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Bushel Sunday, 12 May 2024 08:30 AM
They will come forward and respectfully resign. Sadu sadu..
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Sokrates Sunday, 12 May 2024 08:46 AM
An appeal to be honorable to crooks. What a joke. Not even the word honorable appears in their vocabulary. Apart from that, legal difficulties can arise. Every vote in which these Crooks were involved is invalid, including the election of Ranil.
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MPs with no visa sitting in Parliament? Sunday, 12 May 2024 08:47 AM
When an Indian comes illegally to Lanka, we call him Kalla Thoni and utilise TAFAII units to detect and deport him back, after keeping him in jail. Why should we give special treatment to these Illegal immigrants in the Parliament? Will you and I be allowed to do such thing in USA, Canada India or Australia? Where is the loop hole?
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Fernando Sunday, 12 May 2024 08:49 AM
Yes of course, law should be applied to all.
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ROSH Sunday, 12 May 2024 09:07 AM
Please stay away from politics let unelected master debating president decide who is invited to his steamy double bed on Mile high club. Yea indeed you should not spend the night with unelected master debating president
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Citizen2023 Sunday, 12 May 2024 09:23 AM
Ven. Sobhitha Thero should disclose the names of these MPs as the voters should be aware of them without delay. This will help the public not to support them. Come on Thero announce the names bcoz you will do justice to the citizens of thus country.
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Jude Sunday, 12 May 2024 09:43 AM
Where were you!??? When an American became SL president!!!
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Les vedha Sunday, 12 May 2024 10:10 AM
Very true only the citizens of the country should hold ministerial positions in parliament dual citizens shouldn't be allowed due having other interest in dual carriageway country must be protected in most important portfolios and political circle
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Keep Thera out of Parliament Sunday, 12 May 2024 10:31 AM
This Thera is a disgrace to his Nikaya. He should not be head of it. He failed miserably to try get unfair concession for religious businesses to get below cost electricity. If he gets into parliament there is be massive waste of public funds.
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Terrence K Sunday, 12 May 2024 10:55 AM
What is the Immigration and Emigration doing about this dual citizenship politicians in Parliament ? Surely they have all the information why is it that they remain silent. ? The court should indict the officials for concealing this information!!!!!!
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Terrence K Sunday, 12 May 2024 10:55 AM
What is the Immigration and Emigration doing about this dual citizenship politicians in Parliament ? Surely they have all the information why is it that they remain silent. ? The court should indict the officials for concealing this information!!!!!!
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Jayaratne Sunday, 12 May 2024 11:09 AM
Diana did not have dual citizenship. She only had British citizenship. Dual citizens can come to parliament as per Gotabhaya's amendment.
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DAR Sunday, 12 May 2024 11:37 AM
There are implications with parliamentarians and senior public servants holding dual citizenships. These MPs often come into contact with sensitive government documents which carry information about foreign countries where they hold citizenships. These MPs may require to negotiate treaties favourable to Sri Lanka with foreign countries of their dual citizenships. Also these MPs may be subject to criminal proceedings in one country but not the other. Also, some foreign governments bribe threaten spy on their citizens who play key roles in other governments to influence policy decisions. Election commission needs to implement proper security clearance protocol for candidates in collaboration with Sri Lankan Intelligence agencies and Financial Crimes Unit. If the MP/candidate is unable to obtain/maintain certain level of security clearance level before the nomination or during their tenure then they should be disqualified from holding a parliamentary position.
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Prem Sunday, 12 May 2024 11:39 AM
Come on, if you’re making allegations, reveal the names. Not just saying is not trustworthy.
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sam Sunday, 12 May 2024 12:53 PM
Why not name them for the public to know
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H.D.P. Fernando (attorney-at-law) Sunday, 12 May 2024 12:56 PM
You are correct Ven Omalpe Sobitha There, you are correct. There are 10 more (08 from SLPP and 02 from SJB) with dual Citizenship, they are remaining in the Parliament to make money heating the chairs. They should step down or we will have to give the same treatment like Diana.
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Quwath Quwamai Sunday, 12 May 2024 12:58 PM
Ven. Thera, please give a deadline to the Party leaders to remove the dual citizenship holders in their respective parties before the elections, failing which Legal action should be taken for sure.
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Raj Nadaraja Sunday, 12 May 2024 01:01 PM
Nothing wrong to Name and shame them, in fact it’s your national duty
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Denzil Soyza Sunday, 12 May 2024 01:01 PM
These Ten dual citizenship holders are from Potuwa and protected by Mahinda
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Leel Rajasooriya Sunday, 12 May 2024 01:04 PM
To protect these culprits Ven. Sobitha Thera, they have paid a lump sum to Basil almost equaling to 20% commission of projects.
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Do .... Doo. Dooo..... Doooo.... Sunday, 12 May 2024 01:06 PM
Why not Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe (Appointed as Chairman of SLFP Gangsters, by GS Sirisena) is the first list out of ten.
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kan Sunday, 12 May 2024 02:43 PM
name pls
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ignatius Sunday, 12 May 2024 03:07 PM
Ths will never happen. Apply 100 million Rs fines on the party and their leaders.
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kamal Sunday, 12 May 2024 03:08 PM
There are no honest politicians in this country and this will never happen in Sri Lanka.
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pantha Sunday, 12 May 2024 04:28 PM
Yes, you are correct. Even those who are citizens of another country should not involve in our politics. Look at a USA citizen who is advising our President when to conduct Parliament election. Those who are ruined our country are still trying to get back to power.
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M Hameez Sunday, 12 May 2024 05:01 PM
Pls name the MPs having dual citizenship
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Sam Silva Sunday, 12 May 2024 05:09 PM
You have no authority on this issue but to concentrate on religious matters.
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Ylg Sunday, 12 May 2024 05:13 PM
I don't see a problem with a duel citizenship. So what? The ones with Normal citizenship are crooks anyway. Wouldn't it be lovely to have a white man in parliament. We'll be civilized at last.
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ATTENTION ALL TOURISTS IN SL PARLIAMENT Sunday, 12 May 2024 06:36 PM
You are hereby notified to resign with immediate effect and return all public funds and privileges Now!!!
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S.K Kumara Monday, 13 May 2024 03:07 AM
Who'd give the citizenship of another country to a shyster from Sri Lanka ? Name and shame the country. These individuals are the freeloading scum that will eventually destroy the good culture of a foreign country.
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RV Pillai Monday, 13 May 2024 05:44 AM
Criminal Law is there to punish the poor and voiceless. Those with power or connection with power are rewarded .
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Sal Monday, 13 May 2024 07:18 AM
Hon. Speaker of the Parliament should get affidavits from all MP's in citizenship with a deadline and sentence to imprisonment if false affidavits are given plus the party leaders should take necessary steps as well.
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melville perera Monday, 13 May 2024 08:38 AM
with the powers vested in the president he can't be unaware of this situation. and these mps are illegally admitted to parliament via their deception sustained at the expense of the taxpayers money and the SC verdicts unseating two such mps is sufficient proof that all proceedings in parliament are not valid and tbey should be sacked or ejected from parliament without subjecting them to court proceedings which is a waste of time and taxpayers money. Democratic demonstrators rights are are challenged by the law enforcement authorities how come the above mps shamelessly continue to be in this august chessboard assembly unchallenged.
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Mahila Monday, 13 May 2024 09:03 AM
Jude, "Is an Australian citizen and he can't Go back Coz he's wanted man in 'down under'!!" He is a "Pittala or Yakkada Hora", so he could convert them to USD to feed himself and Family!!!??? Otherwise, ‘Harmless’ individual, and useful to have him in Parliament, as otherwise, HE would be the Inciter of Trouble and Mischief Maker, unlimited, which may not be GOOD IDEA!!?? “ANIMAL ON A LEASH IS FAR BETTER TO ANY EVEN “MILD ONE” UNLEASHED –Because Unpredictable characteristics!!!??? Definitely, NOT MEANING the acquisition of Australian Citizenship has materially affected that individuals outlook!!?? NEY!!?? He is GOOD!!???
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Mohamed Adham Monday, 13 May 2024 09:43 AM
This Thero should be in government. Why is he shy of NAMING names ???????
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Sugathaloana Monday, 13 May 2024 11:34 AM
If you are ready to take legal actions against them, should be able to name them.
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