The procedure, which was stalled by the previous regime, recommenced after 04 years.

According to reports from the Department of Immigration and Emigration, around 170 persons were granted dual citizenship yesterday while nearly 400 others are expecting it.

The handing over of certifications to around 200 applicants were held at a function at the BMICH, Colombo.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Public Order - John Amaratunga said that the granting of dual citizenship commenced in 1987 while the J.R. Jayawardena regime was in power.

"But the procedure was stalled by the previous regime in 2011. I don't know the reason. After our government came to power we looked into the issue and we saw that dual citizenship was secretly granted to around 2,000 persons in a fraudulent manner... To their relatives, friends and children," the minister said.

Noting that the dual citizenship is reintroduced to open paths for intellects abroad to return to the country, the minister added that however, perpetrators would not get that chance.

(Source : BBC Sandeshaya)