Rishad takes away 72 from UPFA

72 people’s representatives have joined Minister of Industry & Commerce Rishad Bathiyutheen who left the UPFA government today (22nd) to express their support for the common candidate Maithripala Sirisena.

Minister Bathiyutheen, two Parliamentarians, 6 members of provincial councils and 63 local government councilors have joined Mr. Maithripala’s campaign.

Minister Bathiyutheen speaking in a media conference held today said he had been a minister of Mahinda Rajapaksa government since 2005 but tendered his letter of resignation to the President.

Speaking further Minister Bathiyutheen said, “We carried out a massive campaign in the North and the East to bring Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa to power. We also gave the necessary support to him during the war. We thank the President, the three security forces and the police for ending the war. After the end of the war we thought all communities in this country would be able to live in peace without any issues. We also dedicated ourselves to bring victory to Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2010 as well.”