Dozens of MPs to quit parliamentary politics

• 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 
• Some of the MPs who will not contest are - Mahinda Rajapaksa, Chamal Rajapaksa, Gamini Lokuge, Ali Sabry, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Bandula Gunawardane, Prof. Tissa Vitharana and A.H.M. Fowzie

By Kelum Bandara   

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.   

Former President Maithripala Sirisena also is not a contestant this time . 

Mr. John Senevirathne who represented the Ratnapura district and held ministerial positions in successive governments has also decided not to join the fray.