Several cabinet ministers step down from their portofolios

Colombo (News 1st): With Sajith Premadasa congratulating Gotabaya Rajapaksa, several cabinet members informed their decision to resign from their respective ministerial positions.

Mangala Samaraweera

Minister Mangala Samaraweera informed President Maithripala Sirisena via a letter, that he will step down as Minister of Finance with immediate effect. The letter addressed to the President by Minister Samaraweera stated, this year's Presidential Election was the most peaceful and fair election held in the recent past.

He informed President Maithripala Sirisena that he respects the clear mandate of the citizens of Sri Lanka and will step down from his ministerial position with immediate effect.

Harin Fernando

In a tweet, Minister Harin Fernando said, respecting the people's mandate, he will step down as Minister of Sports, Telecommunications and Foreign Employment. He added, he will also be resigning from his positions at the United National Party. He also thanked everyone who supported him during his tenure and hoped that the good work done will be continued.

Respecting the people's mandate I am stepping down as Minister of Sports, Telecommunications & Foreign Employment. I am also resigning from my positions at UNP. I take this opportunity to thank every one who supported me in my tenure, hope good work done will be continued

— Harin Fernando (@fernandoharin) November 17, 2019

Ajith P. Perera

Non-Cabinet Minister Ajith P.Perera via twitter said, while respecting the mandate of the people of Sri Lanka, he has decided to resign from his position as the Minister of Digital Infrastructure and IT with immediate effect. Tagging Sajith Premadasa he added, this was a well-fought battle and the country needs Sajith Premadasa's leadership at this critical time.

While respecting the mandate of the people of Sri Lanka, I have decided to resign from my position as the Minister of Digital Infrastructure and IT with immediate effect. It was a well fought battle @sajithpremadasa and the country needs your leadership at this critical time.

— Ajith P Perera (@ajithpperera_p) November 17, 2019

Ruwan Wijewardene

State Minister Ruwan Wijewardene via twitter congratulated Gotabaya Rajapakse for his victory in the Presidential Election and said he will step down as State Minister of Defence. He added ''I hope we will be able to build a nation free of division that unites all communities to take this country forward''.

While I congratulate Mr Gotabaya Rajapakse for his victory in the Presidential Election, I will be resigning as State Minister of Defence and Minister of Mass Media. I hope we will be able to build a nation free of division that unites all communities to take this country forward

— Ruwan Wijewardene (@RWijewardene) November 17, 2019

Kabir Hashim

Minister Kabir Hashim has decided to resign as the Chairman of the United National Party and as the Minister of Highways, Road Development and Petroleum Resources Development.