LNW – Senior lawyer and Sarvajana Balaya General Secretary Ranjan Seneviratne has challenged the government to produce official documentation proving Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperema renounced his alleged Australian citizenship.
The challenge follows Cabinet Spokesperson and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa’s statement that Suriyapperema was “not a dual citizen” during his tenure as MP or Treasury Secretary. Seneviratne argues this response indirectly confirms Suriyapperema was a dual citizen in 2010, when his certificate (No. C9 058 28) was issued.
“Simply release the renunciation papers to the media,” Seneviratne demanded. “The burden of proof rests entirely on the government.”
Drawing a parallel to the unverified Ashoka Ranwala PhD controversy, the lawyer accused the administration of attempting to sweep the issue under the rug rather than providing transparent documentation.
Seneviratne emphasised that the Treasury Secretary holds complete responsibility for the nation’s finances and must negotiate directly with the IMF and World Bank, and therefore the position should be above doubt.
The opposition has no plans to file a lawsuit, Seneviratne noted, insisting the government can resolve the matter immediately by publicly releasing the renunciation paperwork.
“Until then, the credibility question will only grow louder,” he warned.