-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -09.June.2024, 9.00 PM) Colombo, Sri Lanka - The US State Department has launched a criminal investigation into Sri Lanka's current Foreign Minister, Ali Sabry, for allegedly producing a fake US State Department document during a press conference held in Colombo on November 10th, 2019. At the time, Sabry was acting as the legal advisor to the controversial Presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The document in question was presented to support Rajapaksa's claim of renouncing his US citizenship, a critical factor in his eligibility to run for the presidency. Questions arose immediately after Sabry presented the document, casting doubt on its authenticity.
According to US law, specifically the statute governing falsification of documents, Sabry could face severe penalties if found guilty. The law states, "Whoever knowingly alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals, covers up, falsifies, or makes a false entry in any record, document, or tangible object with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation or proper administration of any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States... shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both."
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Sabry also presented a copy of an affidavit during the same press conference, which the US State Department has now identified as potentially fabricated. If this affidavit is also proven to be false, Sabry could face additional federal charges.
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner, who previously served as a legal advisor to the US Embassy in Colombo, commented on the potential repercussions of the investigation. He stated that any charges against Sabry by the US could irreparably damage his professional career, potentially barring him from practicing law in Sri Lanka.
The investigation has also revealed that Mahinda Deshapriya, the then Election Commissioner of Sri Lanka, might have been misled by Sabry with various fabricated documents purportedly issued by the US Embassy in Colombo. There are reports of Deshapriya receiving phone calls, believed to be from the US Embassy, which were actually made by a local Sri Lankan individual under Sabry's guidance.
Furthermore, the US State Department is investigating the validity of an oath allegedly taken by Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the US Embassy in Colombo on April 17, 2019. The details and timing of this oath are now under scrutiny, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Ali Sabry's assertion that Gotabaya Rajapaksa's US citizenship revocation became effective from April 17, 2019, is now being questioned. If proven false, this could further undermine Rajapaksa's eligibility and Sabry's credibility.
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for both Sabry and the political landscape in Sri Lanka. As the investigation continues, the US State Department remains committed to uncovering the truth behind these serious allegations
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by (2024-06-09 16:03:35)
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