Good news soon for Sri Lankan expatriates…

Colombo: The Legal Draftman's Office said they have received the draft of the amended Dual Citizenship Act Bill from the Attorney General's Department, and it will be ready for implementation within weeks.

The bill had been passed by the Attorney General, Palitha Fernando, with his observations, which will be soon included in the draft bill, Legal Draftsman, GAS Silva, told Ceylon Today.

However, some of AG’s observations will not be included. "We do not agree with all his observations and have sought clarification," he said.

Silva said that as soon as the amendments are included, he will call for a meeting to discuss and agree on the amendments, prior to implementation.

Meanwhile, the Controller of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Chulananda Perera, complained that the Legal Draftman's office is holding on to the Act for unknown reasons.

He added it was over one year since he had heard from the Legal Draftman's office and that he had not received any observations on the matter. "I have been writing to GAS Silva almost every day and giving him reminders, to no avail," Perera said.

The department ceased receiving fresh applications for dual citizenship since early 2011. Around 750 applications are on hold since February 15, 2011. The Department of Immigration and Emigration, which was planning to begin processing the applications under the amended Act, in early January this year, had been unable to carry out its work due to the delay at the Legal Draftman's office. However, according to Department, Cabinet had already approved the Bill.

Around 3,500 Sri Lankan citizens all over the world enjoy dual citizenship in Sri Lanka.

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