Former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa has stepped down as a member of Parliament.
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) member said he has tendered his letter of resignation from the post to the Secretary-General of Parliament.
Addressing a special media briefing today, Rajapaksa said that the main objective of his decision is to refrain from holding any form of government post.
He said, however, he will remain in politics and get further involved with the government only if there is a necessity in the future.
“The people want a system change. But we have so far been only rotating individuals. I hope there will be a system change going forward,” he added.
Basil Rajapaksa cannot remain a member of Parliament in the event the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution is passed.
The 21st Amendment calls for the removal of the dual citizenship clause pertaining to the appointment of a member of Parliament.
Basil Rajapaksa was allowed to enter the Parliament through the SLPP’s National List seat despite holding dual citizenship.
He was able to enter Parliament without renouncing his dual citizenship as per provisions under the 20th Amendment to the Constitution.
The former Finance Minister lost his Cabinet portfolio following the resignation of Mahinda Rajapaksa from his Prime Minister post on 9th May.
Basil Rajapaksa has been accused of being partially responsible for the economic crisis in the country. (NewsWire)