Basil Rajapaksa says he has resigned from his seat as a National List Parliamentarian.
Speaking at a media briefing a short while ago, Rajapaksa noted that he will not be involved in state governance and will continue to focus on operations of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.
MP Rajapaksa directed his letter of resignation to the General Secretary of Parliament today.
Rajapaksa said his resignation was a means of bringing in a suitable individual to Parliament under the SLPP seat.
Several names have come to the fray to fill the National List seat of the SLPP, including businessman Dhammika Perera.
Reports suggest that in the event Dhammika Perera enters Parliament he will be appointed Minister of Investment Promotion.
Basil Rajapaksa said he did not expect to take up the post of Finance Minister, and added that he did his duty to the best of his abilities but could not live up to the people’s expectations and grant what the public demanded.
He explained that he was not the cause for the economic recession Sri Lanka is experiencing at present and added that he cannot be held responsible for the decline in foreign reserves as well.
He recalled that Sri Lanka is receiving flour and oil at present, due to agreements formed during his visit to India. Rajapaksa also noted that he was the frontrunner to initiate Sri Lanka’s bid to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund.
