Dozens of MPs to quit parliamentary politics

7 October 2024 08:01 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 54 Bookmark

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*Old age, ill health and unfavourable political environment remain plausible reasons

* SLPP decides not to give nominations to its MPs who left it ahead of the Presidential election

Dozens of MPs who were in the ninth Parliament which is now dissolved have decided to quit politics due to reasons ranging from old age, ill health to unfavourable political realities for them, Daily Mirror learns.

Political dynamics appear to be changing drastically as far as the traditional parties are concerned in the aftermath of the Presidential election. For the first time in the history of post-independence Sri Lanka, the National People’s Power (NPP, a force outside the traditional mainstream, was elected to power at the latest Presidential election setting the stage for it to grab parliamentary power at the General Election on November 14.

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP ) which held parliamentary majority in the current Parliament has decided not to give nominations to its MPs who left it ahead of the Presidential election. It has prompted these MPs to seek tickets from different other alliances that are now being cobbled together.

Besides, a number of its MPs including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his elder brother Chamal Rajapaksa, Gamini Lokuge and Ali Sabry will not contest this time. Mr. Chamal Rajapaksa confirmed that he would not contest. However his son Shasheendra Rajapaksa will contest on the ticket of SLPP from the Moneragala District .

Mr. Sabry said that he entered Parliament with the purpose of serving for one term. “Now I am back to my legal practice,” he said.

Mr. Vasudeva Nanayakkara who was elected an SLPP MP last time will not contest this time due to ill health .

Mr. Bandula Gunawardane also announced that he would not contest this time. Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe also remains uncertain whether to contest or not.

Meanwhile, former MP Lakshman Kiriella who represents the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is unlikely to contest this time. Instead his daughter Chamindrani Kiriella will seek to contest this time from the Kandy District.

Prof. Tissa Vitharana and A.H.M. Fowzie are two other politicians who have decided to stay away from the parliamentary race.

Comments - 54

Srilankan Monday, 07 October 2024 08:22 AM

Let them contest to see the people decision and determine how much of blundering they made during their time!

2 77

Chryshan Monday, 07 October 2024 08:24 AM

Anyway none of them will get elected eve if they contest. None of the Rajapakses and their set of rogues including Namal will be in Parliament this time.

3 86

Somber Monday, 07 October 2024 08:27 AM

What to quit??? All the names mentioned above expect Ali sabry are old haggard fellas. They can't even walk straight what to compete ???? These guys must have been pushed out longtime back. But the best joke is they quit but how greedy they are they will field their children instead!!!! They vultures will never quit ever

4 69

Suhada malli Monday, 07 October 2024 08:28 AM

What we need is not politicians. What we need is statesmen/women who happen to be politicians to win through an election process. The day we see people who drive a vision, who share detailed action plans for achieving those visions as part of their election manifestos and if or once they win they are humble enough to have quarterly reviews of their own manifestos and keep the people informed of the progress (or lack of it) under each action item we will see a better country. In addition this culture of bad mouthing and retorting to critics without facts or figures has to stop for one to be considered a stateman. Late Lakshman Kadirgamar is one person who always put country first at the expense of even his own life in recent history.

1 64

Mohamed Monday, 07 October 2024 11:37 AM

Well said.

0 31

Perera Monday, 07 October 2024 08:31 AM

Quitting before they are kicked out lock stock and barrel is prudent indeed. However it does not let them off the hook for the corruption they have indulged all this while.

2 60

Voter Monday, 07 October 2024 08:31 AM

A final opportunity for all Sri Lankans to correct SL’s dysfunctional trajectory since Independence.

2 56

joshua Monday, 07 October 2024 08:38 AM

Yea better quit. Anyway, people will chase you all out, if you do not quit.

2 43

This is reality Monday, 07 October 2024 08:45 AM

They would have anyway been relegated to the dustbin of political history had they contested. Now President AKD has a very important task to fulfill as early as possible. To do away with the MPs pension privileges, and that too, if possible with retr effect.

2 44

Redeem Yourselves By Getting Involved In Charity Activities Monday, 07 October 2024 08:46 AM

For the many who did and still doing sins whilst as a MP, redeem yourselves by doing lots of charity programs. Use the ill gotten gains and donate accordingly to the unwell people and elderly folks in outstation areas. Visit those handicap welfare homes in outstation areas which are mostly needing funds for its residents and basic facilities such as proper toilets, medications, food and drinking water requirements.

1 37

Dr. Champika Monday, 07 October 2024 09:02 AM

Why do not include the names of thieves such as Harin, Manusha etc. your boss Ruwan Wijewardana will hit less than 2,000 bites in Gampaha. Please try to communicate the story with true spirit. The truth is that all Pohottuwa, UNP, leftest parties do not have any appetite to contest as they know the outcome.

4 50

S Monday, 07 October 2024 09:11 AM

This is a clear example of natural justice unfolding after 76 years of corruption and various allegations. The political landscape is shifting, and those who have long been part of the system are stepping aside, whether due to age, health, or changing political realities. It's a sign that the people are seeking fresh leadership, and the upcoming general election will likely see the remaining "old buddies" ousted by the public, paving the way for a new era. Best wishes to intelligent Sri Lankans, the NPP, and the president, Anura Kumara Dissnayaka.

2 52

Anura Jayantha Monday, 07 October 2024 09:11 AM

Sabry's income and assets should be investigated..how he kept representing Gotabhaya and covered him from the law against so many cases that were against him..

4 45

Daranagama Monday, 07 October 2024 09:15 AM

Better to offer the continuity of pension payment ONLY to the members, as an encouragement to eliminate.

12 9

Ranjith Monday, 07 October 2024 09:20 AM

All them should have retired from politics long time ago.

2 33

wickrama Wijayasiri Monday, 07 October 2024 09:23 AM

Wow! It is already happening. Dark clouds seem to be lifting off my Motherland. I never expected to live to see this day. People have woken up yelling enough is enough. Let tolerance of each others differences, honesty and fair play helping the needy reign the day from now on. When the day comes for us to go, we go away with nothing as we came. Lets enjoy peacefully while we are here.

2 44

susiri Monday, 07 October 2024 09:25 AM

We will not be hearing bull bandula's economics lesson hereafter. its greate news. He can now explain such lessons to his family members and cronies. He wasted lot of money collected from tax payers while in power.

1 36

He’s Into Movies Soon - Tickets at Rs 2500 Monday, 07 October 2024 04:29 PM

Don’t be disappointed! Remember he wants to make movie from now on. Maybe tickets at Rs2500/- :) :) :)

1 8

Terrence K Monday, 07 October 2024 09:30 AM

Have a criteria to be eligible to go to Parliament including the popularity of their constituents. All above 60 years should be tabooed from being a legislator also basic qualifications should be prescribed where nincompoops are never permitted. Also previous cases should be taken into account and serious crimes should be an ineligiblity to qualify. We have several legislators who are having foul mouths and these people should never be entertained as legislators although they have a voter followership. This is an opportune time for the President to bring in new legislation to sieve these motley crowd of legislators!!!!!!!

1 27

Voter Monday, 07 October 2024 11:26 AM

I agree. First of all, I think there should be legislation passed to ensure compulsory retirement (i.e. at 70 years) for MPs. Furthermore, there should be zero tolerance for any MP found guilty of serious misconduct (i.e. corruption, interference in the judicial system, misuse of power) and accordingly removed from office losing all benefits such as pension, allowances etc. There needs to be serious repercussions/disincentives put in place. NPP should grab this opportunity to shape our country's future.

1 26

Jay Thursday, 10 October 2024 08:40 PM

Sad, there is a new trend for Politicians to imitate the notorious tyrant PolPot of Cambodia and go on till their "80's". The USA leads the way!! With Biden over 80,Nancy Polisi almost 84, Ronald Reagan was over 76 and was obviously senile, Trump is near 75 and still wants another term. India also had doddering PMs in the recent past

0 1

Political rejects Monday, 07 October 2024 09:31 AM

Most of these corrupt and useless and did nothing for the country, and we will not miss them. People should reject family centered political gangs such as the SLPP and reject candidates who plan to grab the baton from their old and dying parents. (Kiriella, Daham Sirisena, Namal etc.)People should choose educated, skilled and honest candidates who can make valuable contributions to the country. Sri Lanka definitely needs a new center right political force to match the NPP.

1 34

Rishan Monday, 07 October 2024 09:32 AM

It is better to quit those who are over 65 years old.

1 22

Grace Monday, 07 October 2024 09:54 AM

Thanks God. They have made enough money. They all know that people have already discarded them. Let them live with their grandchildren and pets and eat upto their throats. The rest is in the hands of mother nature.

0 30

Kirihāmi Monday, 07 October 2024 09:56 AM

It's up to the voters to make sure that these entitled individuals and their nepo babies, accused of serious fraudulent activities, are sent home with flying colours.

0 29

sam Monday, 07 October 2024 10:03 AM

They are aware that they cant win

1 21

Yohan Monday, 07 October 2024 10:12 AM

NPP will get around 110 most probably but if a landslide victory comes for npp, then both unp coalition and slpp will not even get a single seat and chances of a bonus seat will also be highly unlikely.

0 27

Antijo Monday, 07 October 2024 02:34 PM

A wishful thinking. Let AKD implement what's promised. Opening roads doesn't help economy. People say that he is now implementing what RW proposed to do only. P apparently all mud and no grey matter in your brains. Think a hundred times before you write rubbish. Don't do it for sake of doing it

14 2

Rashmi Monday, 07 October 2024 10:13 AM

They very well know that people will reject them on November 14th.

0 21

Iwazaru Monday, 07 October 2024 10:18 AM

A conspicuous name missing, that is Ranil Wickramasinghe who saved the Sri Lanka economy by getting rid of Gas, Petrol, Diesel and mild queues by increasing the price three to four fold. He should contest do that we can reciprocate in kind.

29 6

M Fernando Monday, 07 October 2024 12:36 PM

There are some who maintain that the country cannot progress without the experience and wisdom of these long-serving politicians and especially in RW's case, the ability to speak English to foreigners.

7 12

Iwazaru Monday, 07 October 2024 04:16 PM

A language is a tool to communicate and no more. In the future, either the maturing of AI , the language spoken will be of no significance. This future is not 2028, may be a few years ahead.

2 5

kumari sen Monday, 07 October 2024 06:12 PM

What nonsense. How do Chinese, Japanese and many other nations who don't speak English manage. You have a colonial mindset. It is not the language but the desire, motivation etc to help the country. RW never had and never will have this. Have you seen how he speaks with foreign media personnel? He think he can bulldoze interviews with his aggressive stance not answering very legitimate questions and frequently think his longitivtiy as an old politician will suffice. It is a disgrace how he comes across with western media. I for one is embarrassed watch him.

1 15

kumari sen Monday, 07 October 2024 06:14 PM

What nonsense. RW just went with whatever the IMF suggested and didn't care the burden of increase tax on the masses. Did we ever read about him asking IMF to reconsider this? No He liked power and what it brings and had a luxurious life eating imported food and travelling entourage with large number of cars and helicopters.

1 14

LankanLover Monday, 07 October 2024 10:45 AM

I assume 225 is about to quit, Completely New members in the parliament, this is what we are all waiting to see :)

1 28

Rip Winkle Monday, 07 October 2024 02:07 PM

Nimal 'Kappan' Siripala will never quit.

0 13

Lakshman Kiriella Monday, 07 October 2024 10:50 AM

The person who collected bribes for MP Lakshman Kiriella is his daughter Chamindrani Kiriella. I hope all are aware of this.

1 31

Rajan V Pillai Monday, 07 October 2024 10:50 AM

It is a surprise that Hon. Fowzie has decided not to contest. But he may not quit Politics. He was given a new Leaf by the Election Laws through the Courtesy of SJB Kolonnawa organiser. But he immediately bite the SJB Hand which supported him and lost his image built from the time he was a CMC Cuncullor in late 1960's. But People have a high regard for his service to the People, a task Master. People have unofficially named the bridge installed connecting Borupana Ratmalana to Borallesgamuwa as Fowzie Bridge, for the initatives / steps taken by him.

10 3

Take it from me.... Take it from me. Monday, 07 October 2024 11:01 AM

What is the use Vasudeva Nanayakkara being in the Parliament? Likewise, Gamini Lokuge, Fowzie, Kiriella, SB, Wijedasa Rajapakshe, Sirisena etc., all these fellows are dam rogues. NPP has a very brilliant team consisting of young talented professionals.

0 36

Yohan Monday, 07 October 2024 01:23 PM

Lol. All parties have such corrupt and uneducated useless characters. Even npp is like that. For example take lal kantha, he has no educational background and in hot seat for using a mirihana government house eventhough he is not an mp. Wasantha is alleged of taking bribes and giving property on lease illegally. Harini in hot seat over appointment of her close friend as sectery. Even sjb has such characters such as foot note team Eran,Harsha and Suji etc.. So it is upto the people to identify these rogues in every party and not to send them to parliament. Also dont expect any government to be hundred percent genuine as every government in past became unpopular within 1 to 2 years.

0 5

Russel Harmmer Tuesday, 08 October 2024 10:42 AM

True, all the names you mentioned are 100% correct, these rotten rouges are in because they want to eat up poor man's sweat. What a waste, honestly if we save this money, we could feed more than 10,000 children free of charge life time. Voters never vote for such nasty creatures again.

0 6

Prof. Lalith Weerasinghe Tuesday, 08 October 2024 10:48 AM

Thank you, DM, for publishing worthy comments like this. The reality comes out from these comments and the public must be very vigilant to vote for the right professional, young talents and not go behind the old blocks in the Potuwa, UNP, SLFP, MEP and SJB. NPP consists of suitable candidates - vote for them and strengthen AKD's hands which will bring SriLanka out from crisis.

0 5

dinesh Monday, 07 October 2024 12:27 PM

sour grapes....for political destitutes...

0 8

Quwath Quwamai Tuesday, 08 October 2024 10:54 AM

Dinesh not the sour grapes, rotten dead vegetables from SLPP, UNP and SJB. You would have seen Mahinda, the idiot who robbed and ruined our country who cannot even stand on his own, need four people to hold him also trying to continue politics to rob until death and insert his son Namal who does not even GCE O/L qualification.

0 7

Alam Monday, 07 October 2024 01:34 PM

Old hags , Sabry should be prosecuted.

0 8

roobarbie Monday, 07 October 2024 01:48 PM

Huh, finished leeching the life blood from this nations and stealing its assets? Good riddance before you leeches got kicked out! No doubt you all will now try to escape the country before the law encircles you lot.

0 10

sss Monday, 07 October 2024 03:10 PM

Hopefully the long arm of law will not quit on them

0 7

Jerome Monday, 07 October 2024 03:23 PM

Time to retire, (accountability remains)

0 5

Rafeek Monday, 07 October 2024 06:33 PM

They should be out 1o years before now the going out after they put the country to bankrupt

0 6

Sambo Monday, 07 October 2024 07:23 PM

Because they have no more opportunities to earn commission and black money. You will still have to face the long arm of the law for all your doings.

0 6

Inshi Tuesday, 08 October 2024 10:18 PM

Aren't we all tired of the same old and glad they are quitting if not they will definitely lose. They should ask themselves what they have done for the people refusing any perks but profited with the privileges they enjoyed. Enough of being taken for a grand ride.

0 1

Sambo Wednesday, 09 October 2024 07:56 AM

It was more or less like a home for the age than a parliament and a place for corruption. May be most of them have earned their monies and feels it cannot be done anymore.

0 2

B. Perera Wednesday, 09 October 2024 02:10 PM

Ranil Wickremesinghe is a rare individual endowed with uncanny abilities to capitalize on weaknesses of political cronies and (mis)use them for the sole purpose of holding on to power he could not secure himself on his own merits, if he had any. RW will go down in history as someone akin to robot who had zero compassion or regard for the suffering of millions of his 'subjects', an undeniable fact seen throughout his political career. Thank heavens Sri Lanka can breathe a sigh of relief, now that he is gone hopefully for good.

0 2

Indra Dasa Thursday, 10 October 2024 06:50 AM

Retiring or Not contesting this time or quitting not is not a reason to conduct investigations on the most of them to find out how they made such wealth and money after entering to politics in a long periods of time .

0 2

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