LEN - www.lankaenews.com | How British Citizens Maintain Seats in Sri Lankan Parliament Against Constitutional Provisions

How British Citizens Maintain Seats in Sri Lankan Parliament Against Constitutional Provisions

-By A Special Correspondent

(Lanka-e-News -12.Feb.2024, 11.45 PM)

Introduction:

The integrity of Sri Lanka's parliamentary system faces unprecedented scrutiny as allegations emerge regarding the unlawful presence of British citizens as Members of Parliament. State Minister Diana Gamage's case stands at the forefront, exposing a convoluted web of deception that has compromised the sanctity of Sri Lanka's democratic institutions. This investigative report delves into the mechanisms through which individuals like Gamage circumvent constitutional provisions to retain seats in Parliament.

1. Speaker's Complicity in Constitutional Violations:

Article 90 of the Sri Lankan Constitution clearly outlines the qualifications for parliamentary membership, restricting eligibility to Sri Lankan citizens. Despite this, Speaker Mahinda Yapa's failure to launch an internal investigation into Gamage's citizenship status constitutes a blatant disregard for constitutional principles. By turning a blind eye to Gamage's fraudulent tactics, the Speaker sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the very foundation of Sri Lanka's parliamentary democracy.

2. Election Commission's Negligence:

The Sri Lankan Election Commission, entrusted with ensuring the integrity of electoral processes, has failed in its duty to uphold constitutional provisions. Despite glaring discrepancies in Gamage's documentation, including her registration of a political party with fake credentials, the Commission has failed to initiate any meaningful investigations. This negligence not only undermines the credibility of Sri Lanka's electoral system but also raises questions about the Commission's ability to safeguard democratic principles.

3. British Passport Revelations and Ongoing Investigations:

Revelations surrounding Gamage's British passport and the subsequent investigation by British authorities shed light on the ease with which foreign nationals exploit legal loopholes to gain parliamentary positions in Sri Lanka. The ongoing inquiry into Gamage's nationality application underscores the urgency of addressing systemic vulnerabilities within Sri Lanka's immigration and citizenship processes.

4. Acquisition of Sri Lankan Identity Cards Through Fraudulent Means:

Gamage's acquisition of Sri Lankan identity cards through falsified documents highlights systemic weaknesses in Sri Lanka's identity verification mechanisms. By leveraging fake birth certificates, Gamage obtained these identity cards while maintaining her British citizenship, thereby subverting Sri Lanka's citizenship laws. This fraudulent activity not only compromises the integrity of Sri Lanka's citizenship and identification processes but also poses a threat to national security.

5. Criminal Investigation and Legal Scrutiny:

The involvement of the Criminal Investigation Department and the Attorney General's office underscores the seriousness of the allegations against Gamage. Requests for questioning regarding her acquisition of Sri Lankan passports while holding British nationality signal a significant escalation in legal scrutiny. Gamage's conflicting statements regarding her background and migration history further deepen suspicions surrounding her case, necessitating a thorough and impartial investigation.

6. Diplomatic Complications and International Fallout:

The revelation that US Ambassador Julie Chung was hosted to dinner by State Minister Diana Gamage raises concerns about potential diplomatic repercussions. Gamage's fraudulent activities not only undermine Sri Lanka's democratic institutions but also risk tarnishing the country's international reputation. The US State Department must conduct a thorough investigation into the Ambassador's association with Gamage to ensure accountability and uphold diplomatic integrity.

The scandal surrounding State Minister Diana Gamage's illicit retention of a parliamentary seat underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to safeguard Sri Lanka's democratic principles. The complicity of parliamentary officials, electoral authorities, and law enforcement agencies in allowing British citizens to maintain seats in Parliament represents a grave threat to the integrity of Sri Lanka's democratic institutions. Immediate action is imperative to restore public trust, uphold constitutional provisions, and preserve the sanctity of Sri Lanka's parliamentary democracy.