According to the provisions included in the 19th amendment to the constitution, Sri Lankans who possess duel citizenships are not permitted to contest in general elections, Deputy Minister of foreign Affairs Ajith P. Perera said.

Speaking to local media on Thursday (30) Perera further stated when a Sri Lankan receives citizenship from another country he automatically loses his Sri Lankan citizenship.

However, people can request for citizenship in their homeland, he told and added that if their request was approved then they will be eligible for dual citizenship.

President’s Counsel Dr. Jayampathi Wickremaratne also told local media that being a Sri Lankan citizen was an ‘essential qualification’ for contesting a General Election in the country

Meanwhile around 300-400 Sri Lankans were awarded dual citizenship at a function at BMICH today (30) morning.