Marapana says will not accept another ministry

Minister of Law and Order Tilak Marapana, PC who has tendered his resignation as a Cabinet Minister will continue to remain as a Member of Parliament. Mr Marapana earlier in the day said he sent his resignation to President Maithripala Sirisena. The resignation was sent before a special cabinet meeting regarding the Avant Garde issue was taken up for discussion. Mr Marapana did not attend the meeting. The cabinet has decided that a separate discussion the issue should be held. Accordingly the meeting has been fixed for Wednesday. Mr Marapana told journalists that he does not plan to accept any other cabinet portfolio for the moment, but will continue to remain as a MP. He was asked whether allegations can be made that since he remains as a MP pressure could be brought regarding the investigations on the Avant Garde case. Mr Marapana said he will not be worried about those allegations,  but was quitting so that no more allegations can be made that he would influence the probe. Meanwhile JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for other ministers who face allegations regarding the Avant Garde case should quit.