Imthiaz Bakeer Markar resigns as SJB Chairman

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Chairperson Imthiaz Bakeer Markar has resigned from his post.

Imthiaz Bakeer Markar has sent his letter of resignation to party leader Sajith Premadasa.

The former MP is to remain as a member of the party.

According to some reports, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar resigned after failing in his attempts to restore democracy in the party.

Imthiaz Bakeer Markar was appointed to the post in September last year.

Markar, a seasoned politician with over five decades of experience, had played a key role in shaping Sri Lanka?s political landscape, particularly within the United National Party (UNP) and, more recently, in the formation of the SJB.

Markar began his political career in 1970 when he pioneered the United National Party Student Movement. He later became the President of the Inter-University United National Party Student Federation in 1974 and served as the National President of the UNP Student Movement from 1975 to 1980.

By 1981, he was appointed General Secretary of the UNP, marking a pivotal moment in his political journey. He also served as the General Secretary of the Lanka Youth Front, further cementing his influence in youth politics.

In 1981, Markar was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Kalutara District Development Council, a role he held until his election to Parliament in 1988 as the member for Kalutara District. Throughout his political career, he held various ministerial positions, including Minister of State for Housing from 1989 to 1993 and Minister of Media, Posts, and Telecommunications between 2001 and 2004 in the 12th Sri Lankan Parliament.

A staunch advocate for internal democracy within the UNP, Markar consistently worked to promote democratic values within his party and the wider political spectrum. His commitment to political reform led him to play a key role in the establishment of the SJB, which aimed to start a new political movement in Sri Lanka. (Colombo Gazette)