Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara have stepped down from their ministerial portfolios, following today’s Supreme Court ruling to uphold their expulsion from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.
Fernando announced his decision to step down as the Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth, addressing staff members of his ministries.
He stressed that his decision to take up a ministerial position was because of his need to serve the country. “If you think I made the decision to take up a ministerial portfolio, I would not have taken it up at a time that Ministers’ houses were being set on fire,” Fernando said.
The former minister said that he believes that it is the best time to step down, as he has performed well in his duties.
Sri Lanka clinching the ‘Best International Tourism Board’ award at the Global Tourism Awards 2024, and Sri Lanka Cricket’s recent success, were testaments to his dedication, Fernando said.
Meanwhile, Manusha Nanayakkara has also resigned from his portfolio as Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment.
Nanayakkara was informed of the Supreme Court ruling today, while attending a meeting with migrant workers earlier today.
“I am unable to work as Minister from today, but I wish everyone success to carry on with the good work,” he said, commenting on successful foreign employment programmes under his tenure. (Newswire)
The moment Manusha Nanayakkara received the news of the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the SJB’s expulsion of him from the party, which resulted in the suspension of his ministerial position pic.twitter.com/3rjyMhWO8D
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) August 9, 2024