CID Re-assigned To Handle Investigation Into SLPP Presidential Candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's Sri Lankan Passport

The investigation into the Sri Lankan passport of SLPP Presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has been re-assigned to the Criminal Investigations Department by Acting IGP Chandana Wickremaratne.

Last week, the Acting IGP took away the investigation from the CID and handed it over to the Colombo Crimes Division. Yesterday, he changed his mind again and reassigned the CID to handle the investigation.

The Acting IGP received several complaints claiming the former Defence Secretary obtained his Sri Lankan passport in a fraudulent manner, without renunciation his US citizenship.

However, speaking at a meeting at the Nelum Mawatha political office of the SLPP yesterday, Rajapaksa said he received the documents confirming the renunciation of his US citizenship in May this year.

Therefore, Rajapaksa said, there was nothing to worry about his eligibility to run for the election.

"I also obtained a Sri Lankan passport. Earlier, my passport indicated that I was a dual citizen but the new passport confirms that I am now a Sri Lankan citizen," he added.