MPs support Harin and Manusha as they vacate Ministries

A number of Parliamentarians and individuals extended support to former MPs Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara as they vacated their respective Ministries following a court ruling.

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that when Sri Lanka was facing one of its darkest hours, with uncertainty hanging over the country, Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara made a choice that many would have hesitated to make.

“They put their differences aside and stood with the government at a time when Sri Lanka needed it most. It wasn?t an easy decision?they knew they were risking their political futures and their seats in Parliament. The results of their hard work are there for everyone to see. Tourism started to pick up, and foreign employment opportunities grew, bringing in vital revenue that helped stabilize our economy. These aren?t just numbers on a page?they represent real progress that has touched the lives of countless Sri Lankans. I?ve had my fair share of disagreements with both Harin and Manusha. But when the country called, they didn?t just sit back and criticize, they took action. They made a tough decision, knowing full well what it could cost them. In Sri Lanka, it?s easy to talk about putting the country first, but it?s much harder to actually do it when you know it could mean losing everything you?ve worked for. Harin and Manusha didn?t shy away from that challenge. They stepped up when it mattered most, and for that, they have my sincere appreciation,” he said.

Cabinet Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that Fernando and Nanayakkara extended their support to President Ranil Wickremesingjhe at a very critical time of the country.

“They both put their political careers on the line knowing this outcome in the hour of need. No one can take away the work both did towards the recovery of the economy and the country. Tourism and Foreign Employment earnings and numbers speaks volumes of their hard work in the last two years. Before they joined the Government I have had many political battles on different political and policy views and opinions with the both of them. Not many would have put their political careers and their Parliament membership on the line for the country?s national agenda. They put the country before their political party,” Wijesekera said.

Minister Jeevan Thondaman said that it is undeniable that the two former Ministers had prioritised the country?s well-being over their personal or political interests.

“In 2022, Sri Lanka recorded $3.8 billion in remittances and around 720,000 tourists. By the end of this year, we will have increased our legal remittances by nearly 100% to $7 billion and our tourist arrivals by over 200% to 2.3 million visitors. Our tourism earnings will surpass $5 billion – 5 x more than 2022. No other country in economic and political turmoil has ever delivered such a remarkable turnaround in such a short time. The fact that these two Ministers were unwavering in their work for our country, despite having to battle their own party, is highly commendable,” he said.

State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said that the courage by Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara to put the country before self, and their unwavering determination to establish economic and social stabilization through political stability, have made a significant impact.

“The service you have rendered in overcoming this crisis will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of Sri Lanka. Congratulations on all your future endeavors. Let us continue to work together to take Sri Lanka towards a great future under the leadership of President Ranil Wickramasinghe,” he said.

Ministers Harin Fernando and Manush Nanayakkara lost their Parliament seats following another landmark ruling by the Supreme Court that the decision taken by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to suspend their party membership was lawful.

The Supreme Court dismissing a petition filed by Tourism and Sports Minister Harin Fernando and Foreign Employment Minister Manush Nanayakkara challenging the decision taken by the SJB to remove them from the party.

However, the Supreme Court ruled that the decision to suspend the party membership of the two MPs, who joined the Government of Ranil Wickremesinghe, was legal.?(Colombo Gazette)