President refuses to accept Malini’s resignation

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has declined to accept the resignation letter submitted by UPFA national list MP, actress Malini Fonseka, said presidential spokesman Bandula Jayaseka.

Mrs. Fonseka tendered her resignation this afternoon (Sept. 24).

Secretary general of parliament Dhammika Dassanayake confirmed the receipt of the letter.

According to political sources, the president’s refusal to accept her resignation is due to Berty Premalal Dissanayake having said that he would not enter parliament.

The ex-chief minister and his closest ally, councillor Janaka Mahendra, boycotted the ceremony this morning where S.M. Ranjith took oaths as chief minister of the NCP.

Mrs. Fonseka had been asked by the Presidential Secretariat to step down, paving the way for Dissanayake to be appointed to parliament and given a cabinet position.