JVP’s Mayadunne resigns

Says voters’ decision does not support appointment of professionals to P’liment

By Ashwin Hemmathagama

Our Lobby Correspondent

Former Auditor General, National List MP from Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Sarath Chandrasiri Mayadunne yesterday resigned from Parliament, insisting his appointment did not reflect the decision of the voters.

Despite the role JVP and many other civil organisations played during the elections to educate the voters to select the best for the Parliament out of intellectuals, according to MP Mayadunne, people have chosen inadequately. However, since the voters’ decision has to be respected, Mayadunne noted he had decided to resign.

“Our National List contained educated, honest people. But little public attention was received. Instead they opt to continue rejecting us who came forward to serve them honestly. The National List was prepared to give room to professionals and intellects to enter Parliament to serve them better,” charged MP Mayadunne.

Taking the postal votes, which was exclusive to the State sector – considered to be educated and passionate – MP Mayadunne said: “Out of total 582,000 postal votes, the JVP received only 48,800. This is only about 7.5%. The JVP which came forward to eradicate corruption and nepotism in the State sector was given less prominence and 92.5% votes were in favour of the existing system. So this raises the question of the requirement of people like us in Parliament. Voters have failed their duty.”

Turning down any speculation related to his resignation from Parliament, MP Mayadunne said: “Neither the JVP leadership nor any other person forced or influenced me to resign. In fact I was requested to stay in Parliament as an MP at least for some time. I was planning to withdraw immediately after the disappointing election results came. But submitting an affidavit to Parliament withdrawing my name from the JVP National List would have been bad for the party. So, having taken oaths, I now extend my resignation. If I stay back I will be compelled to honour the public decision which is to bow down and to allow corruption to continue.”