SJB MP unfurls US flag in Chamber to protest  dual citizenship being allowed into P’ment

• MP Nalin Bandara unfurls US flag, says dual citizenship clause to enable US citizens to enter Parliament
• Questions why those who sold ‘patriotism’ to win polls are silent now

SJB Kurunegala District MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha unfurled the national flag of the US inside the parliamentary Chamber as he spoke during the 20th Amendment to the Constitution debate.

Jayamaha said the sole purpose of bringing about the 20th Amendment to the Constitution is to enable persons holding US-Lankan dual citizenship to become Members of Parliament.

“There would be a day soon where the American citizens come here as MPs. The 20th Amendment is to pave the way for that purpose,” the SJB MP said.

He also read out the oath of allegiance foreign nationals have to take when becoming a US citizen. “As per the oath, a person must pledge to give his or her first priority to the American interests. Where are those who wallow in patriotism today? They made use of patriotism to win elections but they passed laws against the country’s national interests. Soon there would be a day we Americans become MPs,” the MP said.

“The danger is that this bill would not only allow Americans but also Chinese too. Chinese too can become MPs here,” he said, showing the US flag.

MP Jayamaha also put on a black mask as part of the antics to draw attention to the dual citizenship issue.

Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena requested from the Chair not to let the Opposition MP to act against dignity and decorum of the House. 

“The Opposition MP has smuggled in items not permitted in this House. An investigation must be held how he had managed to bring them in here. He must be stopped making use of this august assembly to display his undignified actions,” MP Abeygunawardena said.