MR confirms handing over of leadership to President Maithripala

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has confirmed he is handing over the leadership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to President Maithripala Sirisena. Here is the full text of the media release issued in this connection. “With effect from today, I will be handing over the leadership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to President Maithripala Sirisena. Having held membership and various offices including the Party leadership, and having nurtured and safeguarded the Party with great dedication for over 50 years, I am taking this decision as I have a great dislike to see the Sri Lanka Freedom Party face the danger of division. It is the responsibility of all of us who love the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to ensure the unity of the Party, which has helped protect and develop our Motherland. Therefore, the new leadership, the Executive Committee and all officials of the Party should steer it towards the welfare of not only the Party but the entire Nation as well. I believe that all of you will pay heed to your responsibility of ensuring the safety and Security of all Party members as well as upholding democracy within the Party. I also wish to further emphasize that I will strongly represent the wishes and aspirations of  the more than 5.7 million members of the public who voted for me at the recent Presidential Election. I also take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you for the support extended to me throughout the years. I wish you a Bright Future! May the Triple Gem Bless You! Mahinda Rajapaksa (CK)