Big plan behind Basil’s departure - Vasu

Parliamentarian Vasudeva Nanayakkara claims that there is a big plan behind the resignation of Basil Rajapaksa.

He stated that Basil Rajapaksa's plan was to prevent the split within the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and for his party to lead the government.

“Everyone in parliament is shocked at Basil Rajapaksa’s departure. On the surface it seems that he resigned as with the implementation of the 21st Amendment which prevents a dual citizen to hold a parliamentary seat. No, there is a much larger plan. He felt that if the SLPP split up they would lose power. He wanted his party to hold on to power and that is why he resigned to satisfy parliament. He knew that a main factor of the 21st Amendment was the issue of dual citizenship. Hence, he felt that when he resigns there would not be much focus on it and as the reduction of presidential powers won’t have much of an impact. Even in that issue, he is trying to bring some amendment. What I am trying to show is the plan Basil has to keep the party intact and rule the country through his party. That is why they are demanding for an SLPP Prime Minister.”

Meanwhile, Vasudeva Nanayakkara also noted that while Dhammika Perera had resigned from his posts, he has not relinquished ownership of his companies.
“Almost all the subject areas handed over to him are those that are under the president. This indicates that he will be appointed to the Cabinet with major backing. If he was appointed as the finance minister this would have attracted much criticism and opposition and that is why he was not directly given that portfolio. Dhammika Perera is the owner of many companies and although he has resigned from his positions, he still holds ownership of these companies. Therefore, no one needs to have any doubt about him acting on his companies’ behalf in the event there is any transaction between the government and his companies.”