A dramatic courtroom revelation has reopened debate over citizenship, political power, and accountability, as sworn testimony sheds light on why explosive allegations against a former state minister were kept out of public view for years.
Oshala Herath told the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court that he did not immediately file a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department against former State Minister Diana Gamage for “political reasons,” despite having information about her citizenship status. He made this statement before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama during the ongoing evidence hearing in the case.
Giving testimony, Herath said he had discovered several letters issued by a British institution bearing Diana Gamage’s signature and later confirmed that she was a British citizen. Based on this information, he decided to make a complaint, rejecting claims that it was politically motivated. Under questioning led by State Counsel Akila Dharmadasa, Herath stated that if it was alleged he acted for political reasons, he would deny it.
He further told court that he had lodged complaints not only against Diana Gamage but also against two ministers of the current government, asserting that his actions were guided by legal concerns rather than political alignment. Herath emphasized that although Diana Gamage served as a State Minister, it was later confirmed that she lacked the legal capacity to hold office due to her foreign citizenship.
The case relates to allegations that Diana Gamage submitted false information to the Controller of Immigration and Emigration, unlawfully obtained a foreign passport, and violated the Immigration and Emigration Act by remaining in Sri Lanka without a valid visa. The CID has filed seven charges against her, with evidence recorded on one charge involving her stay without a valid visa between July 14, 2016 and July 16, 2017.
Previously, after pleading not guilty to all charges, Diana Gamage was released on two surety bails of Rs. 500,000 and a cash bail of Rs. 10 million. The CID also informed court that the Supreme Court had ruled she was unfit to hold a seat in Parliament due to her British citizenship.
Further evidence in the case has been scheduled for February 16, as the high-profile trial continues to draw national attention.
