By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

SJB MP Patali Champika Ranawaka yesterday announced that he would function as an independent MP in Parliament with immediate effect.  

However, Ranawaka refuted the reports which said he had become independent to get a ministerial portfolio. “ I have no intention of becoming a minister in this government.,” he said.  
“ I have no personal issue with anyone but made this decision according to my conscience. Both the government and the opposition has a greater role to play in this crisis situation. 
I foretold this crisis way back in 2013. I also wrote two books about it. We are saddened about this situation. This is one reason I had to become independent,” the MP said.  

“The present government is not a multi-party and interim government. It has to convert it- self into a real multi-party and an interim government,” he added.  
“ I joined SJB to form a grand alliance in March 2020 and I have become an independent today for the same reason,” he said.   

• Refutes reports which said he had become independent to get a ministerial portfolio
• The present govt is not a multi-party and interim govt
• Joined SJB to form a grand alliance in March 2020 and I have become an independent today for the same reason