I have not begun the process of revoking US citizenship - Gotabaya Rajapaksa

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa returned to the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division today (June 25) to provide a statement over the charge that he misused state funds in constructing the D.A. Rajapaksa museum. While a case has already been filed in this regard with the Magistrate's Court, Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived at the FCID at about 9 AM today (June 25) to provide a statement following a court order. Rajapaksa left the FCID at about noon and responded to questions posed by journalists who had gathered outside. There were claims made by Gotabaya Rajapaksa that they had made all necessary payments with regard to the museum, a journalist questioned as to why he was being summoned to the FCID over and over again if this was true. While stating that he came to the FCID to provide a statement on a court order, the former defense secretary reiterated that as far as he knows they have repaid all the money. Gotabaya was also questioned on a recent statement made by an Anunayake thero regarding him. He responded by stating that the sermon was delivered by the thero at his residence during a private occasion and he is not sure why people need to make statements regarding this sermon. He added that he had understood what the thero meant to say and that those who are making various statements had not understood what the thero was preaching. When questioned about his presidential aspirations and whether he had begun the process of revoking his US citizenship, in order to be able to contest for the presidency, the former defense secretary noted that he had not been invited to officially run for President by former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and therefore he had not begun the process of revoking his US citizenship. He added that if he is invited to run for President he could resolve the citizenship issue in 2 or 3 months.