Senanayake refuses to be removed from UNP, post of state minister

State minister Wasantha Senanayake today (Oct 30) refused to be sacked from the party, and removed from his position as state minister of foreign affairs.

Addressing a news conference, Senanayake, expressed strong objection towards the United National Party (UNP)’s decision to expel him from the party last night.

“Anyone can suspend my party membership. But they can’t cancel it without following due procedure,” he insisted.

UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, yesterday said that Senanayake would be removed from his position as state minister of foreign affairs in due course.

“It is only the President who can remove me from that position since it is he who appointed me,” the state foreign minister pointed out.

Senanayake’s removal from the party followed his recent remarks expressing displeasure against those backing UNP-led New Democratic Front presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa.

However, the UNP parliamentarian declared that he had initially planned to resign from politics today, but had reversed the decision considering his party's decision last night.

He also produced his resignation letter, which he said was expected to be handed over to the President, announcing his resignation as a state minister.

Senanayake added that he had not commented on supporting a particular presidential candidate recently. “However, I will think about it now,” he remarked.

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