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Sajith to step down as Deputy Leader of UNP

17 November 2019 11:43 am - 6     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While congratulating SLPP candidate  Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election as the seventh Executive President of Sri Lanka, New Democratic Front (NDF) candidate Sajith Premadasa today in a statement said he would step down as Deputy Leader of the United National Party with immediate effect.

“At the conclusion of a hard-fought and spirited election campaign, It is my privilege to honour the decision of the people and congratulate Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election as the seventh President of Sri Lanka,” Mr. Rajapaksa said, 

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to all of our citizens who voted for me, in all corners of the island. I am humbled that you placed your faith in me. Your support has been a fountain of strength throughout my twenty-six-year-long political career. I also wish to place on record my gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly on my campaign. My family and I will never forget your sacrifice and dedication,” he added. 

He said the country has just witnessed the most peaceful presidential election in the history of our independent republic. This he said was a result of the democratic gains and institutional reforms that have taken place over the last five years, that empowered an independent elections commission and restored the rule of law. “My appeal to the incoming president is that he takes this process forward and strengthen and protect the democratic institutions and values that enabled his peaceful election as the 7th President of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Premadasa urged Mr. Rajapaksa to ensure that the post-election environment is peaceful and that no citizen or NDF party supporter is persecuted or harmed for their role in supporting my candidacy,”  

“For 26 years, I have been an active politician in this country. During that time, I have made every effort to serve the people, in my home district of Hambantota and wherever and whenever they needed my assistance. It has been my privilege to serve as housing minister in this government for five years, prioritising the creation of a home-owning society by 2025. I hope the people understand that these were sincere, heartfelt efforts to uplift the lives of my fellow citizens. In light of today’s decision by the electorate, I have decided to step down as Deputy Leader of the United National Party with immediate effect,” he said.

In the coming weeks, in consultation with all those who supported my presidential bid, the people who have stood by me through my political journey and my loved ones, I will reflect on the future of my political career and where my life will take me hereafter. Bound to the people of Sri Lanka, I remain their faithful servant, today and always,” he also said.


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  Comments - 6

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  • Be Fair Sunday, 17 November 2019 11:56 AM

    I'm glad we were fortunate enough to witness the most peaceful election

    Hassan Aboobucker Sunday, 17 November 2019 12:13 PM

    An Excellent example as what a leader should process to accept the defeat in great manner. A lesson should be learn from his quality for other power hungry politicians.

    Appuhamy Sunday, 17 November 2019 01:04 PM

    Gentleman!

    Renu Sunday, 17 November 2019 10:37 PM

    This a very good quality of a principles centred person who has exhibited his gentlemen’s attitude after his defeat. This the political culture we should build in this country for the betterment of everyone

    Mohamed Sunday, 17 November 2019 10:58 PM

    Don't worry one day you will become the president of srilanka

    George Harry Monday, 18 November 2019 12:25 AM

    It was that His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa's strong foundation led to this Peaceful election once again after His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa took a step to introduce the National Identity Card system on Election day. That's why we are fortunate enough to get out of the DARK years between 2015 to 2019.


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