Dual citizen remain barred from running for election

The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution adopted with the necessary two thirds majority in parliament on Friday retains provisions barring dual citizen running for election, parliamentary sources said on Friday.Earlier SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam went on record describing the provision as specifically targeting dual citizen Basil Rajapaksa who is now in the US and said his party could not vote for the Bill if it was retained. They held the view that legislation must not target individuals, he said.

With a two thirds majority at stake and the SJB insisting that they would not support a Bill without the dual citizen provision, the SLPP had fallen in line.The TNA abstained from voting and several MP were absent at voting time. Chamal, Shashendra and Namal Rajapaksa voted for the Bill while Mahninda Rjapaksa was absent.