Western Provincial Council member Udaya Gammanpila today quitted the Jathika Hela Urumaya and pledged to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the forthcoming Presidential election.

Gammanpila, while addressing media at a press conference held at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headquarters pointed out that a ‘policy decision’ led for his resignation.

“There is a clear contradiction in terms of Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena’s policy to abolish the executive Presidency in 100 days. Either he (Maithripala) lied to us or lied to the Maha Sanga.” Gammanpila said.

Gammanpila also said that he was unhappy with the decision of the JHU to unite with some political characters who accompanied with the Common Candidate presently.

Citing the names of some politicians he added that the JHU will go helpless if these parties attempt to resurrect the defeated LTTE.

Gammanpila said that under the circumstances, he decided to function as an independent MP at the Parliament and decided to support President Rajapaksa. “It is unethical to say that I’m the Deputy Secretary of the JHU as I have already tendered my resignation. Therefore, I announce I’m no longer party’s Deputy Secretary,” he added.

The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), on 2 December, announced it will support Common Candidate, and will unite with the common opposition to win several issues including to bring back good governance and to abolish the executive Presidency.