Moragoda resigns

Milinda Moragoda says that he has decided to step down from the position of Leader of the Opposition and member of the Colombo Municipal Council.

Issuing a statement today, Milinda Moragoda states it is essential that the Leader of the Opposition gives full commitment to the affairs of the Council and ensure that the foundation that has been established remains united and resolute.

He adds that his present responsibilities elsewhere prevents him from filling that role, and it is for that reason, and that reason alone, that he has decided to step down as Leader of the Opposition, and Member of the Council.

He had made this announcement at the opposition group meeting of the Colombo Municipal Council today.

Milinda Moragoda states that he stands ready to provide advice and guidance to the new leader and will continue to serve the citizens in various other capacities.

He further notes that as Senior Adviser to the President, his support and assistance will be available to the President at all times.

He has also stated that he feels honoured to have served as a member of the CMC. 

Milinda Moragoda adds that over the past six months he has worked hard to build a strong team that will provide the necessary foundation to enable the party to achieve many objectives and that this was
recently proven when the UPFA and its allies were able to win a crucial majority of seats in the Finance Committee, the most important committee in the Council.

In his statement, Milinda Moragoda categorically states that speculation in the media that he will be taking up a position in an important international organisation is not true, and is moreover completely without foundation.

He also added that he would like to extend his gratitude to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for inviting him to take up the challenges offered in seeking to lead the Colombo Municipal Council, and to Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa for their support and encouragement during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition.