Deputy Minister Nandimithra Ekanayake quits government

Deputy Minister Nandimithra Ekanayake pledged to support Maithripala Sirisena at the forthcoming Presidential election.

This was announced at a press conference held in Colombo, this afternoon. Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Arjuna Ranatunga also participated for the press conference.

Ekanayake said that he tendered his resignation letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, this morning.   

In 1984, Nandimithra joined the fledgling Sri Lanka Mahajana Party which at that time was under the leadership of T.B. Ilangarathne, Vrjaya Kumarathunga and Chandrika Bandaranayake.   Nandimithra was recognized by the party executive for his leadership abilities and was appointed Party Secretary to the Matale District.  In 1989, due to his popularity, he was appointed as a candidate in Matale District to compete against a strong U.N.P. group which included Mr. Alic Aluwihare.  In that election he was elected to the Parliament as the S.L.F.P. team leader representing the Matale District.