No Tamil National Alliance Members Hold Dual Citizenship: Sumanthiran Hits Out At Rumours

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP M. A. Sumanthrian refuted rumours the Tamil National Alliance fielded parliamentarian with dual citizenship at the last election, saying no TNA MP holds dual citizenship.

The MP, responding to a question directed at the TNA on Twitter alleging there were TNA members that held dual citizenship, tweeted: ‘Not true. No TNA MP holds dual citizenship – at least, to the knowledge of the party.'

Members of the Sri Lanka parliament have come under scrutiny after the Court of Appeal on May 3, ruled United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Galle district MP Geetha Kumarasinghe disqualified from holding seat in Parliament on account of holding dual citizenship in Sri Lanka and Switzerland.

The verdict was the result of a petition brought before the court by five residents of Galle district, challenging Kumarasinghe’s eligibility to be Member of Parliament. Kumarasinghe has alleged the five resident are close associates of Piyasena Gamage, the politician who stands to be elected in her place.

Kumarasinghe has appealed against the Court of Appeal verdict at the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court has made an interim order allowing her to function as UPFA Galle district MP until a Supreme Court verdict on the matter is made.

The case will be taken up again on September 25.