News
A time to rest, produce films and pursue higher studies…
View(s):By Chandani Kirinde
Several members of the last parliament who have decided to either retire from politics or not contest this year’s general elections explained the reason for their decision. Here are some of their views:
Wimal Weerawansa who leads the National Freedom Front (NFF) announced that his party will not contest the upcoming elections, either independently or as part of an alliance stating that his decision is based on the party’s commitment to safeguarding the country from political instability and crisis.
“As a political movement grounded in anti-imperialist values and inheriting the legacy of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), we are committed to defending the mandate that brought President Dissanayake to power,” Mr. Weerawansa said. He said that the NFF’s decision not to contest is aimed at ensuring that President Dissanayake secures a parliamentary majority without being forced to rely on the support of other parties.
Kanaka Herath who served as State Minister of Technology in the last government said that people want a change at this juncture and in recognition of that he has decided to take a step back.
He said he would use his time away from active politics to pursue an engineering career, complete his PHD at the university of Moratuwa and will continue to represent the people of the Kegalle district who stand with his political ideology.
Former Transport and Mass Media Minister, Bandula Gunawardena said he has served in various positions for over 30 years as an MP and also worked for the people of the Homagama constituency.
Mr. Gunawardena who has produced several award-winning movies said he plans to produce another film while studying for a doctorate in the coming years.
SJB Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella announced that it was time for rest after serving as an MP for 36 years.
“I plan to rest after several decades of political service,” he said.
Former Minister of Urban Development and Housing and Chief Government whip in the past parliament Prasanna Ranatunga said people wanted a change and hence he decided that the best thing to do would be not to contest this year’s election.
“I have been in politics for 40 years. We have to groom youngsters to take over. I am campaigning on their behalf and will take a rest for now,” Mr.Ranatunga said, adding that he would continue to engage in politics in the future.
Champika Ranawaka, leader of the United Republic Front, announced his Party would not be contesting the general elections as the ‘Samagi Jana Sandanaya’ with which it was in an alliance had violated the agreement signed between them ahead of the September presidential election.
Mr. Ranawaka said under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two sides, the UNF was expected to contest in eleven districts but during the nomination process, it was found that the other party had acted in violation of the MoU. “We informed the SJB in writing that we will not field any candidates,” he said.
Former State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe also announced he will not contest the upcoming general elections but will continue to engage with the people of Anuradhapura.In a statement, he said that respecting the people’s desire for change in government and Parliament, he has decided not to contest the November 4 election but would continue to serve the people of Anuradhapura.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry who entered prominent in 2020 as a National List MP from the SLPP was among the first to announce he was stepping away from public office and returning to his first passion, the practice of law.
“I am excited about reuniting with the profession that has always been my true calling and, above all, having more time to spend with my family, something I have missed dearly during these years,” Mr.Sabry said announcing his decision to quit politics.
Nalaka Godahewa who first entered parliament in 2020 from the SLPP obtaining the highest preferential votes in the Gampaha district with over 350,000 also announced he will not contest in this year’s election.
“The new government deserves a chance to fulfil its promises. Stability is what our country needs and I am happy to be an observer as my only expectation is the wellbeing of the people,” he said.
SLPP Ratnapura District MP Akila Ellawala too said he is not seeking re-election. “Financial reasons are one of the main reasons that I decided to refrain from contesting elections.” However, he said he would continue to remain in politics.
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