Attanayake resigns from UNP Leadership Council
22 September 2014 07:13 am
UNP General Secretary and parliamentarian Tissa Attanayake today submitted his resignation from the Party’s Leader ship Council. He had sent his letter of resignation to UNP National Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Leadership Council Chairman Karu Jayasuriya.
In his letter of resignation to UNP National Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mr. Attanayake said he was deeply hurt by the behavior of some members in the leadership council during the past few months.
He said in his letter that some members of the leadership council had criticized him for his stance with regard to Hambantota District parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa who is expected to be made the Deputy Leader of the Party tomorrow.
Mr. Attanayake also accused these members of criticizing him publicly through media. Therefore, he said he could no longer sit in the leadership council.
“The situation in the leadership council does not allow me to remain in it and I cannot continue as a member of the leadership council against my conscience,” he said.
Mr. Attanayake also thanked Leadership Council Chairman Karu Jayasuriya and said Mr. Jayasuriya had stood by his side always. Mr. Attanayake was an Ex Officio member of the leadership council in his capacity as the UNP General Secretary.
Party sources said Leadership Council Chairman Karu Jayasuriya would meet Party National Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe prior to the Working Committee meeting to discuss the position of the Leadership Council following Mr. Attanayake’s resignation. (Yohan Perera and Lahiru Pothmulla)