A Bill to Amend the Citizenship Act recognizing gender equality among citizens will be presented for cabinet consideration this week, a senior official of the Justice, Law Reform and National Integration Ministry said yesterday.

The law as it stands enables only fathers to pass down their Sri Lankan citizenship to their children. Mothers are denied this right.

Once the new amendment is enacted, this gender inequality will not arise and mothers too will be able to pass down their Sri Lankan citizenship to their children.

"The amendment will be applicable both retrospectively and prospectively so that even those children born prior to the new amendment being passed can benefit,’’ the spokesperson said. (FRS)