brand logo

The duality of  dual-citizens in Parliament

31 Oct 2022

Amidst heated political debates about the MPs)l holding dual citizenship status, MP Dr. Charitha Herath tweeted that it is good that the Immigration and Emigration Department is investigating to find out the MPs who have obtained dual citizenship, and that clearing this matter will prevent certain groups from deliberately spreading misinformation as part of their mudslinging activities. The MP’s statement comes in a context where a considerable segment of the population is waiting to know the names of such lawmakers, following the latest amendment to the Constitution, the 21st Amendment, which includes a clause disqualifying any individual with dual citizenship status from sitting in Parliament. While there are countless arguments with regard to the fate of MPs who are dual citizens, now that the 21st Amendment has been passed, once it is enacted, the political authority has a duty to properly enforce and adhere to the restrictions pertaining to MPs who are dual citizens. The biggest question now is what would happen to the MPs who are dual citizens, with many parties expressing different opinions and waiting to challenge these MPs’ right to sit in Parliament. This challenge would most likely take place through the country’s court system, if Minister of Justice Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’s remarks about the matter are correct.  However, the future steps in this regard are likely to be trickier and more challenging than passing the Bill was, due to political and personal agendas of the political authority. The MPs not having the honesty to reveal their citizenship status voluntarily shows what the political authority thinks of the said new restrictions. In this context, there is a need for the lawmakers, especially party leaders and MPs who have dual citizenship status, to be honest and act in accordance with the law, without waiting for someone to to take the legal route challenging MPs who are dual citizens. In addition, this honesty should be showcased by both the Government and the Parliamentary Opposition. At the same time, due to the controversy surrounding this matter and the fact that restrictions pertaining to MPs having dual citizenship status are a part of the latest Constitutional Amendment, there needs to be a bigger discourse about such MPs in the long run. This discourse must have the public’s involvement too, because, at the end of the day, they have a right to have a say in who qualifies as their representatives. Such a discourse is especially important due to the lack of consensus in society about the factors that disqualify a person with dual citizenship from serving as an MP. Sentiments such as dual citizens may have pledged allegiance to another country of which they are a citizen and that it may essentially be an anti-Sri Lanka/national act have some weight. However, the country should also not be blind to opposing but valid concerns, such as dual citizens may have an exceptional ability to contribute to the country’s growth. This is particular relatable when it comes to professionals who left and are leaving the country, who, in future, may seek to serve the country as an MP. Under the Amendment, dual citizens are now officially prohibited from becoming MPs, and soon, actions will be taken against current MPs who are dual citizens. In the long run, without basing arguments on assumptions, the country should have a platform to seriously evaluate the potential benefits and potential harms MPs being dual citizens could cause.


More News..