Tissa Attanayake assumes duties

Former General Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) Tissa Attanayake assumed duties as the new Minister of Health, this morning. 

Today I assumed duties upon a request by the President. Otherwise, I wanted to assume duties after the polls. I eternally grateful for President Rajapaksa for having faith in me to offer with such responsible Ministry, he told media.   

On 8 December, Tissa Attanayake tendered his resignation letter to UNP leader Ranil Wickramaginghe and stepped down from the General Secretary post and all the other positions he held.

Same day Attanayake pledged to assist President Rajapaksa at the forthcoming Presidential election. Attanayake pointed out that he was unhappy with Party’s decision to glean Maithripala Sirisena as the Presidential candidate. He said many issues prevailing within the UNP had led for my resignation.