-By Investigative Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -24.April.2025, 11.10 PM) In a political saga that reads more like a thriller than a parliamentary record, Diana Gamage, once a prominent figure in Sri Lanka's political landscape, finds herself at the center of a complex legal and diplomatic controversy.
Diana Samanmali Gamage, born on December 18, 1965, emerged as a significant political figure when she was appointed to the Parliament of Sri Lanka from the National List of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) following the 2020 parliamentary elections. Her tenure was marked by a swift party switch in 2021 to the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), raising eyebrows and questions about political loyalty.
However, her political journey took a dramatic turn when social media activist Oshala Herath filed a writ petition challenging her right to serve in Parliament, alleging that Gamage held British citizenship and had not acquired dual Sri Lankan citizenship. Gamage contended that she had renounced her British citizenship in 2014, but the legal battle culminated in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka disqualifying her from Parliament on May 8, 2024, citing her failure to provide a valid certificate of Sri Lankan citizenship and evidence that she had returned to Sri Lanka on a British passport.
The controversy deepened when the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) filed seven charge sheets against Gamage under the Immigration and Emigration Act. The charges allege that she remained in Sri Lanka without a valid visa and obtained a Sri Lankan passport using forged documents. The case has been adjourned until July 31, 2025, as investigations continue into the extent of the alleged violations.
Complicating matters further, reports suggest that Gamage may have received state salaries, ministerial benefits, and bank loans under the pretense of being a legitimate Sri Lankan citizen. If proven, these allegations could lead to significant financial repercussions, including the recovery of funds and potential criminal charges for fraud and misrepresentation.
The case has not only domestic but also international ramifications. UK authorities are reportedly examining the circumstances under which Gamage acquired British citizenship and whether any false declarations were made during the process. Should evidence emerge of fraudulent claims, Gamage could face the revocation of her British citizenship, adding another layer of complexity to her legal woes.
Gamage's political activities have also stirred diplomatic tensions. Notably, she made headlines by meeting with a Taiwanese representative during her tenure as a minister—a move unprecedented in Sri Lankan history and one that risked straining relations with China, a key ally and investor in Sri Lanka. This action raised questions about her understanding of Sri Lanka's foreign policy and the potential consequences of such engagements.
The unfolding saga of Diana Gamage serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal protocols in public service. As investigations proceed and legal proceedings unfold, the case underscores the need for rigorous vetting processes for public officials and the potential consequences of circumventing established legal frameworks.
-By Investigative Correspondent
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by (2025-04-24 17:44:06)
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