Susil Premajayantha removed from state ministerial post

Susil Premajayantha

State Minister Susil Premajayantha has been removed from his post with immediate effect, said the President’s Media Division today (January 04).

The dismissal was made by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in accordance with the powers vested in him.

Susil Premajayantha was the State Minister of Education Reforms, Open Universities and Distance Learning Promotion.

State Minister Premajayantha has been critical of several initiatives of the government in recent days.


UPDATE – 01:28 PM:

Susil Premajayantha responds to being sacked as state minister

Parliamentarian Susil Premajayantha says being removed from his post as State Minister of Education Reforms, Open Universities and Distance Learning Promotion may be a blessing in his future political career.

Speaking to the media when leaving the Isurupaya building in Battaramulla, the MP noted that as a politician he has fulfilled his duties under every President he served.

Responding to queries, Premajayantha said he learned of his dismissal through media reports.

“This is nothing big. I first became a minister in 2000, right after I entered the parliament. I have worked under three presidents. I have a profession. I’ll return to that tomorrow, to the court.” Premajayantha continued.

When asked if he was told of a reason for being sacked from his state ministerial post, Premajayantha responded, “There is no need to give such reasons. The Executive President is vested with the powers to appoint and to remove anyone from their post”

Speaking further, he said, “A media person recently asked me about the prices of goods while I was at the market. I responded that agriculture has failed completely and that the policy decisions that have been taken have failed. I spoke on behalf of the people.”

Premajayantha stressed that he is not surprised by this move, given the direction the country is moving towards.