Bogollagama resigns from UNP

Former Minister and MP Rohitha Bogollagama has resigned from the UNP despite securing nomination in the party’s National List for the new Parliament. 

Rohitha Bogollagama

Ranil Wickremesinghe

Following is the text of Bogollagama’s letter to UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe:

“I wish to take this opportunity to place on record my sincere appreciation for the cooperation extended to me during my political association with you.

“Currently having said that, the time has come for me to view the immense pressure and the challenges that are surfacing in the political landscape of Sri Lanka, which I have now studied in great depth and with keen interest. To say the least the post-COVID-19 pandemic consequences are the worst that one can ever imagine that can befall the country and equally the nation.

“This needs both a unified and a collective effort with any Government in office in a bipartisan manner. I strongly believe that I have a duty by the country and her people as done by me always in the august offices I have held during the past. I have clearly proved this principle, in my roles evidently as Foreign Minister, at the most critical time of the war and even as the Governor of the Eastern Province more recently.

“The time has now come for me once again to serve the nation and to be of service to the country on a motto ‘Sri Lanka First,’ rather than being confined to the parameters that dictate our party politics. People’s expectations are contrary to our traditional beliefs and moreover sentiments are growing for greater consolidation of national interest.

“Hence, I wish to tender my resignation with effect from 25 June 2020, from being a Member as well as a candidate in the National List of the United National Party at the 2020 Parliamentary General Election.

“This detachment enables me wider space and greater opportunity in my pursuit to contribute significantly in the sectors that affect the people of our country. 

“For sake of formality and statutory reasons, I would thank you to cause the General Secretary of the United National Party to inform the Election Commission to withdraw my name from the National List of the United National Party. 

“I wish you continued success as the Leader of the United National Party and good health.”