Documents on GR renouncing citizenship will be presented if needed: NR

Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa yesterday said that proof of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s renunciation of citizenship will be presented “when needed.”  

Tweeting in response to Non-Cabinet Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution Dr. Harsha de Silva’s query on twitter after Rajapaksa’s name was not included in the official US Government publication ‘Quarterly Publication of Individuals, Who Have Chosen To Expatriate’, or renounce US citizenship, in the 2nd quarter of 2019, covering 1 March to 30 June.  

“Don’t worry about SLPP candidate. If his documentation is the issue, will present if needed. Worry abt governing the country for next few months, to salvage frm this sorry state. Also perhaps worry about who you can put forward to contest,” Namal Rajapaksa tweeted. 

His response was to a tweet by Dr. de Silva that flagged reporting on the publication and seeking clarification on the issue.      

“Well this is just breaking. We were told @GotabayaR had completed all documentation wrt renunciation of his US citizenship. I for one believed it. But in t last hour or so we are told that his name is NOT in t list as at 30 June. So, yes, I am confused. Need more info.” 

“Well I agree w you that people wish to know what each side can do to make Sri Lanka better. No question. But no matter how ‘big’ one is they cannot be above the law of the land. That’s all. If he has got his documents right I have no problem. In fact I only asked?” he added.