There is no law restricting me from giving up the US citizenship - Gotabaya

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Former Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa who appeared before the Permanent High Court Trial at Bar today, responded to a number of questions posed by journalists. When asked about claims that he cannot relinquish US citizenship for a period of ten years, Rajapaksa noted that there is no law in place to restrict him in this manner. He noted that it is a personal matter and as such he can decide whether to keep it or relinquish it. He added that a country cannot let a person be tied down in this manner. While noting that the US considers itself the father of liberal democracy, the former Defense Secretary stated that they cannot curtail the right of anyone for any reason. Responding to another query, Gotabaya Rajapaksa reaffirmed his preparedness to run for office. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was present before courts today (January 17) due to the case filed against him and six others over alleged misappropriation of Rs. 33.9 Million in public funds. The money was allegedly utilized for the construction of the D.A. Rajapaksa Memorial and Museum. The case is due to be taken up continuously from the 22nd of this month. An order was issued on the 18 witnesses from the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation & Development Corporation barring them from travelling overseas without court approval.