New SJB MP Fowzie to deviate from party line?

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Newly sworn-in SJB MP A. H. M. Fowzie who participated in the debate on the policy statement of President Ranil Wickremesinghe despite his party’s decision to boycott said he would exercise his responsibility towards the nation.

“I will sincerely fulfil the responsibility towards the nation rather than thinking of politics,” he said.
“I am glad I have been given the opportunity to serve the nation, and I thank those who voted for me. I obtained around 30,000 preferential votes without appointing any polling agents and without even visiting counting centres like others,” he added.

The MP recalled his past and related how he was elected Mayor of Colombo and won a vote of confidence despite opposition by his own party members. “Late President J. R. Jayewardene defended me but had to give in to pressure mounted by some other UNPers who represented Colombo District during that time,” he recalled

• Says will sincerely fulfil responsibility towards the nation rather than thinking of politics.